Miscanthus sinensis Emmanuel Lepage - Silvergrass

Miscanthus sinensis 'Emmanuel Lepage' is a maiden grass that stands out from all other varieties with its flexible evergreen foliage, forming a dense and lush green clump. It has a slightly spreading habit, and is ornamental throughout the year. Its elegance also lies in its flowering carried well above its foliage, in the form of beautiful feathery beige-pink panicles that usually bloom in August and persist for a long time on the plant. A large and hardy grass, ideal for cold regions, in the background of large flower beds, or as a standalone plant.

'Emmanuel Lepage' belongs to the Poaceae family. It is a French horticultural selection, obtained in 1995 by Lepage nurseries. This plant is derived from Miscanthus sinensis, native to East Asia and Oceania. It is a giant grass with short rhizomes that develops in a non-trailing clump, called a tussock. The upright and trailing habit reaches 1.5 to 1.6m (5ft) in height, 1m (3ft) for the foliage, with a spread of about 90cm (35in). The evergreen leaves are very long, flexible, and rough. They have a bright green colour from January to December. Long flower stalks emerge from the foliage from August to October, in the form of large silky digitate panicles, 30 to 40cm (12 to 16in) long. They are silvery beige with a hint of pink. When fading, they take on a very soft cream colour.

This maiden grass remains decorative even in winter and allows for permanent structure in a flower bed. It is perfect for the background of large flower beds, to which its strong presence adds an elegant feel. It will suit contemplative gardeners in a wild garden spirit. Place it behind tall asters or helianthus. In modern gardens with clean lines, plant it with bamboo, nandina, or ferns if the soil is moist. Miscanthus is well-suited for planting as a hedge, creating a screen along a path, isolating a part of the garden, or simply hiding the view of the street or a neighbour's garden. In an urban garden, 'Emmanuel Lepage' softens concrete structures. Along ponds, its silhouette is exotic, mysterious, and natural at the same time.