Miscanthus sinensis Sirene - Silvergrass

Miscanthus sinensis 'Sirene' reaches a height of 2.5 meters (8 feet). It has an upright habit and its foliage changes from bronze green to warm autumn shades of red, orange, and yellow. In September, numerous crimson inflorescences rise among the foliage, then turn silvery grey and fluffy. These inflorescences are perfect for dried bouquets. Miscanthus is easy to grow in any ordinary soil, not too dry or wet, in full sun.

Miscanthus sinensis 'Sirene' belongs to the Poaceae family. It is a horticultural selection derived from Miscanthus sinensis, native to East Asia and Oceania. This grass with short rhizomes grows in a non-running clump, it is clump-forming. The habit is both upright and trailing, reaching a height of 2.5 meters (8 feet) and a spread of 1.2 meters (4 feet). The leaves are narrow, very long, very flexible, initially bronze green then reddish-copper to yellow in autumn, straw-coloured in winter. Long floral stems emerge from the foliage from September to November, in the form of digitate and silky spikes measuring 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12in) in length, dark red-crimson. As they fade, they take on a silvery hue. The plumes remain on the plant for much of the winter, retaining a decorative appearance.

The strong presence of Miscanthus sinensis provides a beautiful structure and a lot of grace to large borders. They are suitable for both wild environments and contemporary gardens that require structure. Miscanthus is perfect as a windbreak or privacy screen. When planted as a hedge, they create a barrier to isolate part of the garden. They add volume and texture, creating a natural transition to the open areas, the street, or the neighbour's garden. In urban areas, Miscanthus sinensis 'Sirene' softens concrete structures but also fits well in linear settings. For autumn, plant your Miscanthus near a Cornus or Cercidiphyllum and some asters, for example, add the foliage of an astilbe, and the colours of this composition will make you forget the approaching winter. Growing them in large containers is also possible. Lastly, this Miscanthus sinensis is perfect for creating beautiful dried bouquets.