Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus Cabaret - Silvergrass

Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus 'Cabaret', also known as eulalia or Chinese silver grass, is undoubtedly one of the most impressive cultivars of the genus. It forms an impressive clump, reaching 2.5m (8ft) by 2m (7ft) under optimal growing conditions. Its ribbon-like green foliage is particularly wide and bright, with white margins in the centre. The flowering is somewhat random, appearing during long, hot summers. When they appear, the pinkish inflorescences fade to a white-silver tone. However, this variety is slightly less hardy than others. This plant is not invasive and is easy to grow in any ordinary soil that is not too dry but moist. It likes a position in full sun. It is simply superb when planted as a solitary specimen at the edge of a pond.

The 'Cabaret' eulalia belongs to the Poaceae family. It is a horticultural form derived from Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus, a botanical species native to Japan. This tall perennial grass with short rhizomes grows in non-spreading clumps. The upright and trailing habit easily reaches 2m (7ft) in height, or even more in fertile and moist soil, with a minimum spread of 1.8m (6ft). The leaves are wide (sometimes over 3cm (1in)), very long, and very flexible. They are green with irregular margins of white. At the end of a long, hot summer, long floral stems emerge from the foliage in August-September, in the form of silky finger-like spikes, 20 to 30cm (8 to 12in) long. They are pinkish at first, then turn white when mature. As they fade, they take on a silvery hue. The plumes consist of tiny flowers that close slightly after opening, only to open again when mature. They then take on a paler and fluffier appearance. 

This tall eulalia has deciduous foliage, but its monumental habit remains decorative for much of the winter, even when the foliage and inflorescences are dry. Designed to stand out in a large dedicated space or at the back of a large border, its strong presence adds beautiful structure to landscape compositions. It is also suitable for wild gardens and contemplative gardeners. Just plant it at the edge of a water feature, watch it grow and fill out, play with the wind and the low autumn light, and bend under rain showers. In winter, it lights up the garden with its reassuring silhouette.

It has its place in modern gardens with clean lines, in the company of bamboo or ferns if the soil is moist. Miscanthus are well-suited for hedge planting, 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. These grasses bring volume and texture to the boundaries of the garden, creating a natural transition to the open areas. In an urban garden, Miscanthus 'Cabaret' softens concrete structures. It can also be grown in large containers.