Miscanthus sinensis Grosse Fontäne - Maiden Grass - Silvergrass

Miscanthus sinensis Grosse Fontäne, also known as Chinese silver grass or Eulalia, is a large deciduous grass that is robust, vigorous, and bears many flowers. The upright spikes of late inflorescence change colour from pink to reddish to silver in autumn. This plant's long, drooping leaves become coppery red in autumn, giving it a graceful fountain-like appearance. It remains interesting from late summer to the heart of winter when its plumes are finely dusted with frost. This plant is not invasive, and its inflorescences are perfect for dried bouquets. It is easy to grow in soil that is not too dry or moist in full sun.

Eulalia Grosse Fontäne is a type of grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is a horticultural variety that is derived from Miscanthus sinensis, which is native to China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, and New Zealand. This tall grass is a perennial and cespitose* type, with short rhizomes, forming a strong tuft with an upright and drooping habit. It can grow up to 2 metres (6.6 ft) in height with a spread of 1.20 metres (3.9 ft). The leaves are thin, very long, and flexible, initially dark green, then turning coppery red in autumn. Long floral stems emerge from the foliage from September to November, in the form of digitated and silky spikes, 20 to 30 cm (11.8 in) long, pinkish-red. As they fade, they take on a silvery hue. The plumes consist of tiny pinkish flowers that close up a little after blooming and then open again when mature. They then take on a paler and more fluffy appearance.

*This term refers to a non-spreading type of grass with rhizomes.

This particular type of Eulalia boasts deciduous foliage but remains visually appealing throughout most of the winter. It can be planted in large shrubs, where its strong presence brings a beautiful structure and abundant grace. This grass is also suitable for wild gardens and those who seek a meditative experience in their gardens. Plant it among asters, behind garden chrysanthemums, or repeat-flowering roses, and watch it grow and fill out, playing with the wind and low light of autumn and bending under rainshowers. When winter arrives, it illuminates the garden with its reassuring silhouette, much like conifers do. This grass is also perfect for modern gardens with clean lines alongside bamboo or ferns if the soil is moist. Miscanthus is also 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. They offer a magical and almost fairytale-like experience when walking through them. These grasses bring volume and texture to the garden's boundaries, creating a natural transition to the open areas. In an urban garden, Miscanthus Grosse Fontäne helps soften the concrete structures. It can also be grown in large containers. Lastly, this Eulalia allows for beautiful dried bouquets.

Some varieties of giant Miscanthus are currently being studied because they offer real prospects for the creation of standing crop or fiber panels. These plants have several advantages: they do not deplete the soil, tolerate polluted soils well, can be incinerated without recovery, or even used for the production of biofuel.