Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus Cosmopolitan - Silvergrass

Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus 'Cosmopolitan' is a variety of Chinese reed with variegated foliage of great ornamental value. This grass forms a large graceful clump, with a fountain-like habit, composed of broad green leaves striped with cream white, as sculptural as they are bright. The plant flowers in late summer, offering inflorescences in the form of red plumes turning beige gold. Its growth dries out in winter, but remains decorative. Grow it in the sun, in good garden soil that is not too dry in summer. A superb variety, to be highlighted as a specimen or at the end of a pathway.

'Cosmopolitan' belongs to the Poaceae family. It is a cultivar obtained in Japan by Toyoichi Aoki around 1940. It comes from Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus, a botanical species native to Japan. This large perennial grass with short rhizomes develops in a non-spreading clump. It is called a tussock grass. The habit is initially upright in spring, then becomes trailing in summer. The plant reaches about 2m (7ft) in height when flowering, even more in fertile and moist soil, with a spread of 1m (3ft). The leaves are wide (2 to 3cm (1in)), very long and very flexible. They are fairly dark green, traversed by wide cream and white streaks. At the end of a hot and long summer, in September, long floral stems emerge from the foliage, taking the form of digitate and silky spikes 20 to 30cm (8 to 12in) long. They are initially reddish-wine, becoming beige when ripe. When withering, they take on a golden-silvery hue. The plumes consist of tiny flowers that close a little after opening, to open again when mature. They then take on a paler and fluffier appearance.

Like many variegated plants, the growth of Miscanthus 'Cosmopolitan' is slow. It will take about 4 years to obtain a mature clump. It is a deciduous plant; the leaves and floral spikes remain present on the plant during winter. Cut the plant back in spring, not before, and it will regenerate at the beginning of spring.

Miscanthus 'Cosmopolitan' prefers rather moist, well-drained and rich soil. It grows in the sun, which is quite rare among variegated plants. However, its white variegated foliage will have the best effect in partial shade. It adds structure to wild flower beds and looks wonderful with various geometric shapes in an architectural garden. It also has a great impact in a contemporary garden. To accompany it, for example, think of tall autumn asters, perennial sunflowers, or the compact winged euonymus which turns pink and red at the end of the season.

This grass is one of our favourites, as you may have guessed!