Maiden Grass 1 to 18 of 18 total
Maiden Grass 1 to 18 of 18 total
Maiden Grass
Zones 5-9
Partial Shade to Full Sun
Privacy Screen
Low Maintenance
Why We Love Maiden Grass
Maiden grass adds instant height, soft texture, and late-summer plumes—perfect for privacy screens, backdrops, and easy seasonal interest with minimal care.
About Maiden Grass
Genus
Miscanthus
Species
Sinensis
Family
Poaceae
Common Names:
Chinese Silvergrass, Chinese Silver Grass, Eulalia, Japanese silver grass, Maiden Grass Susuki
Native To:
East Asia
Plant Type:
Ornamental Grasses
Foliage Type:
Deciduous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
5 - 9
Flower Color:
Gray/Silver, Pink, Red/Burgundy, White
Flower Bloom Time:
Fall, Spring, Summer
Growth Habit:
Arching, Cascading, Clumping, Columnar, Erect
Attracts:
Small Mammals, Songbirds
Tolerates
Drought, Dry Soil, Humidity, Salt, Wet Soil, Wind
Resists:
Deer
How To Use Maiden Grass In The Garden
Maiden grass, or Miscanthus sinensis, is an ornamental grass known for its arching stems and feathery plumes that emerge in late summer and persist through winter. Its size varies among cultivars, with some reaching up to 12 feet in height and 10 feet in width, while more compact varieties remain around 3 to 4 feet. This plant adapts to various soil types, including clay and sandy soils, and thrives in full sun with at least six hours of direct light daily. Thanks to deep roots, it tolerates brief dry spells and requires little maintenance.
Position these gracefully arching clumps in the background to fashion an airy screen, or group them in generous drifts for a meadow-like feel. Their gentle movement pairs well with sturdier perennials, creating contrast in both height and texture. They adapt nicely by water features, where the reflections can accentuate the foliage’s delicate form. For a more structured look, display them in large containers or anchor them as bookends near an entryway.
Maiden Grass Care
Maiden grass thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It prefers evenly moist, well-drained soil of average fertility and can tolerate clay, sandy, and poor soils, provided they drain well. When planting, select a sunny location with sufficient space for the grass to reach its mature size. Dig a hole just wide enough for the root ball, positioning the crown slightly above the soil surface to accommodate settling. Applying a layer of organic compost around the root zone helps conserve moisture.
In early spring, prune maiden grass by cutting back the previous year's growth to about six inches above the ground, making room for new growth. Use sharp, sterilized pruning shears or a power hedge trimmer, and wear protective clothing to handle the robust foliage. For winter care, especially in colder zones, mulch around the base to protect the crown from severe cold. When growing in containers, choose a frost-proof pot with large drainage holes and use potting soil designed for containers to prevent waterlogging.
Learn More About Maiden Grass Care
Maiden Grass Companion Plants
Companions for Maiden Grass should thrive in full sun, appreciate well‑drained soil that can dry between waterings, and peak in late summer when the grass sends up its silvery plumes. Hibiscus brings supersized blossoms that punctuate the grass’s vertical lines, and perennial sunflower mirrors its stature while supplying long‑season golden accents. Cotton‑candy inflorescences of Joe Pye Weed add a soft counterpoint to the upright blades, whereas dahlias contribute sustained, richly hued blooms that keep the planting lively right up to frost.
