Miscanthus sinensis Little Miss - Silvergrass

Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Miss' is a stunning little Chinese reed, which is remarkably colourful. It is ideal for small gardens and container cultivation. This new variety forms an almost two-tone clump, composed of red to violet-tinted leaves from May onwards, with the colours intensifying in autumn due to the cold. The centre of the clump retains a green colour throughout the season. The plume-like inflorescences appear in August-September, turn red in autumn, and persist on the plant until December. It deserves to be highlighted in flower beds or large pots, for its beautiful structure, fantastic colour, and graceful habit.

'Little Miss' eulalia belongs to the Poaceae family. It is a recently selected variety from Germany derived from Miscanthus sinensis, native to East Asia and Oceania. This perennial grass with short rhizomes rapidly develops into a non-spreading, non-invasive clump. The fountain-like habit, both upright and slightly trailing, does not exceed 80cm (32in) in height, with a relative spread of 50cm (20in). The leaves are thin, ribbon-like, very long, and quite flexible. They are differently coloured depending on their position on the plant. Those located on the outside turn pink, purple, and violet from May to November. Those occupying the centre of the clump are a bright green and do not change colour. The purplish floral stems emerge just above the foliage in late summer, in the form of digitate and silky spikes 15 to 20cm (6 to 8in) long, with a silver-pink colour. As they fade, they become redder in colour. The plumes are made up of tiny flowers that close slightly after opening, only to reopen when mature. They then take on a fluffier appearance.

Among ornamental grasses, miscanthus is probably one of the most beautiful and least invasive. It has been the subject of numerous selections and is the origin of many cultivars. They all share the same upright, regular and arching tufted silhouette, with long leaves with a light median stripe, which turn straw-yellow in winter. 'Little Miss' is a wonderful perennial that grows on its own once well established, perfect for contemplative or beginner gardeners. King of patios and balconies, it has its place in a modern garden with clean lines, a Japanese garden, or in large ensembles where it will lighten up the flowering. In winter, it lights up the garden with its reassuring silhouette. In an urban garden, it will awaken and soften concrete structures. Pair this Chinese reed with autumn asters, tall sedums, autumn daisies, or heleniums.