Miscanthus sinensis 'Kleine Fontäne' (Petite Fontaine)

The Miscanthus sinensis 'Kleine Fontäne' is a superb variety of Eulalia that stands out for its graceful, "fountain-like" habit. Shorter than the 'Grosse Fontäne' variety, this Chinese reed offers an earlier flowering and its autumn foliage turns coppery purple. Its reddish-plumed spikes quickly turn pale silver, creating a magical tableau with the late-season foliage. It is a hardy grass, easy to grow in full sun in any well-drained soil that remains moist in summer. While its foliage is deciduous, its silhouette remains interesting for much of the winter.

The Kleine Fontäne Eulalia belongs to the Poaceae family. It is a horticultural form derived from Miscanthus sinensis, native to China (in the pan-Himalayan region up to 2,000 m (7ft) altitude), Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, and New Zealand. This tall perennial grass, with tillering* and short rhizomes, forms an erect then trailing clump, reaching 1.50 m (5ft) in height when in bloom, with a spread of 1.20 m (4ft). The leaves are thin, very long, and very flexible, initially green with a white midrib, then turning burgundy to coppery purple in autumn. Long floral stems emerge from the foliage in July-August. At the end of these stems, silky digitate spikes measure 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12in) in long form, with a reddish-pink hue. As they fade, they take on a silvery shade. The plumes are tiny pinkish flowers that appear and close a little later, only to reopen when mature. They then have a paler and more feathery appearance. The Miscanthus, hardy down to -20 °C, thrives in warm exposures and healthy, rich, deep, and well-drained soil.

*This term refers, for example, to a type of grass that does not have spreading rhizomes.

The Miscanthus Kleine Fontäne is a "grass" perfect for large beds, whose presence brings structure, autumn color, and a lot of grace. It is also suitable for wild gardens and contemplative gardeners. Just place it among giant asters and landscape roses, with its base surrounded by creeping bugles or heucheras, watch it grow and become fuller, play with the wind and the low autumn light, and bend under the rain. When winter comes, just like conifers, it lights up the garden with its reassuring silhouette. It has its place in contemporary designs, with clean lines, in the company of bamboo or ferns if the soil is moist. Miscanthus can also be planted as a hedge, forming a screen along a path, to isolate a part of the garden, or to hide the view of the street or a neighbour's garden. Growing them in large pots is also possible. Finally, this Chinese Reed can be used to create lovely dried bouquets.