When should I cut it back?

Cut the foliage down to the ground in late winter or very early spring before new growth starts.

Does it need fertilizer?

It generally does not need fertilizer and prefers lean soil.

Plant guide

Miscanthus.

Miscanthus

Pronounced mis-KAN-thus

Also known as Silvergrass, Silvergrasses, miscanthus

Miscanthus sinensis — Photo by Tom Norton (CC BY) via iNaturalist

Miscanthus is a group of tall, elegant perennial grasses that add wonderful texture and movement to the landscape. They are prized for their feathery plumes that appear in late summer and persist through the winter months. These grasses are quite adaptable and look stunning when planted in large drifts.

Another photo of Miscanthus — Photo by Anne Parker (CC0) via gbif

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial grass
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 2 to 3 meters
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 4 to 9
Bloom time: Late summer to mid autumn

Care

Plant in a sunny spot with well draining soil to keep these grasses happy. Cut the foliage back to the ground in late winter before new growth emerges to keep the plant tidy. Watch for browning tips if the soil stays too dry for extended periods.

Watering: Water deeply during the first growing season to help establish a deep root system.
Feeding: Fertilizer is usually unnecessary. In very poor soil, apply a light dose of balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins.
Pruning: Cut back all old foliage to about 15 centimeters above the ground in late winter.
Repotting: Divide the root clump every few years in spring to maintain vigor and prevent a dead center.
Soil: Well draining, fertile soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: -25 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: High
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 10 to 20 years
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water sitting on the surface of the soil.
The plant stops growing vigorously in spring.

Safety

People: The foliage can have sharp, serrated edges that may cause minor skin cuts.
Pets: Miscanthus is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: Keep children away from the sharp, serrated leaf edges which can easily cut skin.
Contact allergens: The sharp leaf margins can cause mechanical skin irritation.
Airborne allergens: The plumes release significant amounts of pollen in late summer which may trigger hay fever.
Edibility: This plant is not intended for human consumption.

How to identify it

Tall, clumping growth habit
Arching, linear leaf blades
Feathery, fan shaped flower plumes
Persistent winter foliage and seed heads

Height: 1.2 to 3m
Spread: 0.6 to 1.5m
Leaves: green, silver, variegated, deciduous
Flowers: silver, pink, white, 15 to 30cm

Problems to watch for

RustCommon
DehydrationUncommon
Leaf ScorchUncommon
MealybugsUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division
When to plant: spring, early autumn
Overwintering: Leave the dried foliage standing throughout the winter to protect the crown from cold and moisture. Cut back to 10 cm above the ground in early spring.
In containers: It grows well in large containers, but ensure the pot is at least 50 cm wide to accommodate the root ball.

Division

1. Dig up the entire clump in early spring.
2. Use a sharp spade to slice the root ball into smaller sections.
3. Ensure each section has healthy roots and new shoots.
4. Replant the divisions at the same depth as the original plant.

Plant these grasses in groups to create a naturalistic meadow effect that suppresses weeds.

Grows well with

Coneflower · The bold flowers contrast beautifully with the fine texture of the grass.
Sedum · Sedums provide a low growing counterpoint to the tall grass plumes.

Similar species

Switchgrass · Another tall, clumping grass with excellent winter interest.
Feather Reed Grass · Similar vertical habit but blooms earlier in the season.

Science

Family: Poaceae
Genus: Miscanthus
Order: Poales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Eastern Asia
Conservation: Some species are considered invasive in parts of North America, so check your local regulations before planting.

It thrives in open, sunny habitats where its deep roots help it persist through seasonal drought.

Value to wildlife: winter shelter for insects, nesting material for birds
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: ornamental grass, privacy screening, winter interest, erosion control

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 8/9
Temperature: 6/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 4/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

When should I cut it back?: Cut the foliage down to the ground in late winter or very early spring before new growth starts.
Does it need fertilizer?: It generally does not need fertilizer and prefers lean soil.

Where the name comes from

The name comes from the Greek words mischos, meaning stalk, and anthos, meaning flower, referring to the stalked spikelets.

Good to know

Miscanthus is often called maiden grass.
It remains standing through winter, providing beautiful structure in the snow.
It is a C4 plant, making it very efficient at photosynthesis in warm weather.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI on September 25, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.