Miscanthus sinensis Kaskade - Silvergrass

Miscanthus sinensis 'Kaskade' is a new variety of eulalia, named for the beautifully cascading aspect of its wonderful flowering, which is rather early for a miscanthus. This Chinese reed bears loose and trailing inflorescences ranging from pearly pink to white. It is both charming and elegant in large beds or in a contemporary setting. The flowers bloom from August, crowning a tuft of long green leaves that take on lovely copper tones towards the end of the season. 'Kaskade' brings lightness and poetry to the garden, even during winter. This ornamental grass is easy to grow in the sun, in any soil that is not too dry.

'Kaskade', selected in Germany by Ernst Pagel, belongs to the Poaceae family. It is one of the many horticultural forms derived from Miscanthus sinensis, native to East Asia and Oceania. This perennial grass with short rhizomes develops in a non-spreading clump. It is tufted and non-invasive. With a flexible and upright habit, 'Kaskade' reaches about 1.6 to 1.8m (5 to 6ft) in flower, with a spread of 60 to 70cm (24 to 28in). The leaves are 10 to 12mm (1in) wide, very long, and flexible. They are green in colour until the end of summer, and are crossed by a pale-coloured vein. They may take on copper tones in October-November, before drying out in winter. Long floral stems emerge from the foliage in the second half of summer, in the form of long silky, curving digitate spikes, which are pale-pink when blooming. As they fade, they take on a beautiful pearly white colour, which is very bright. The plumes are made up of tiny pink flowers that close slightly, then reopen when mature. They then have a paler and fluffier appearance.

This eulalia has deciduous foliage, but remains decorative for much of winter. It is ideal for the background of large beds, to which its strong presence brings structure and grace. It is suitable for wild gardens and contemplative gardeners. Place it among tall asters, in the company of perennial sunflowers or 'Buenos Aires' verbenas. Watch it grow and thicken, play with the wind and the low autumn light, and bend under rain showers. It also has its place in modern gardens with clean lines, in the company of dwarf bamboos, for example. These grasses bring volume and texture to perennial beds, lightening their blooms. In an urban setting, Miscanthus 'Kaskade' will soften concrete structures. Growing in large containers is also highly recommended, allowing for elegant and sober decoration of patios or balconies.