Miscanthus sinensis Boucle - Silvergrass

Miscanthus sinensis 'Boucle' is one of the most amazing Chinese reeds selected in recent years. This medium-sized variety offers an unprecedented flowering with its particularly dark colour. Its compressed, wrinkled, plump inflorescences open slowly to reveal feathery plumes. This fascinating flowering, one of the darkest observed in eulalia, ripens in shimmering silver tones in autumn. The foliage is more classic, changing from summer green to orange tones at the end of the season. This hardy and easy-to-grow grass deserves a prime location, in the sun, in the heart of a perennial bed or in a large container on a patio. Like most of the Chinese reeds, this variety requires moist and loose soil to fully express itself. 

'Boucle' belongs to the large Poaceae family. It is a horticultural form derived from Miscanthus sinensis, a hardy species native to East Asia and Oceania. This variety was recently selected in Poland by Artur Maj. A clump-forming perennial grass with short rhizomes, it develops into a non-invasive tuft. Its growth rate is quite fast. The plant reaches a height of about 1.1m (4ft) at maturity, with a spread of 50 to 60cm (20 to 24in). The linear leaves are very thin, very long, and flexible. They are dark green with a white main vein and a violet tip. Gradually, starting in August, the base of the leaves begins to change colour. Different shades of orange slowly spread throughout the leaf tuft. Long flowering stems emerge from the foliage, from September to November, in the form of thick, wrinkled, silky-looking cone-shaped spikes. The colour of the inflorescence changes from purple-brown to purple, to purplish pink. When fading, they take on a lovely silvery hue. The plumes are made up of tiny flowers that close slightly after blooming, only to open again when mature. They then take on a paler and fluffier appearance and persist on the plant throughout winter. The deciduous foliage dries up and turns yellow in winter. 

The hardy and highly ornamental Miscanthus sinensis 'Boucle' is ideal for gardens of all styles. It is a remarkably ornamental 'grass', which should be prominently placed in flower beds, along a path or near the entrance of the garden. It is suitable for wild gardens and contemplative gardeners. You can simply plant it among asters, landscape roses, and daylilies. Watch it grow and expand, play with the wind and the low light of autumn, and bend under rain showers. It also has its place in modern gardens with clean lines, accompanied by dwarf bamboos or ferns if the soil is moist. In an urban garden, 'Boucle' softens concrete structures. Cultivating it in large containers is also highly recommended, decorating a patio or balcony with panache and elegance.