Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light' (Morning Light Chinese Silver Grass, Morning Light Maiden Grass, Morning Light Eulalia)


Botanical Information

FamilyPoaceae
GenusMiscanthus
Speciessinensis
Cultivar'Morning Light'
CategoryPerennials

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone6b - 7a
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone6
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH6
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-21 - (-15)
Temperature (°F)-5 - 5
Height2 - 2.5 m
Spread1 - 1.5 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodAugust, September

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionMiscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light' is an ornamental grass with reddish-copper plumes rising above a clump of very narrow, finely textured, arching foliage.
ShapeUpright, rounded.
LandscapeGood for a cut flower garden: it cuts and dries well. Provides textural and winter interest. Use en masse, as an accent, in borders, meadows, naturalized and cottage gardens, around water features and for screening. Will attract birds.
PropagationPropagate by seed or division in spring. May be slow to establish.
CultivationGrow in full sun, in moist, well-drained soil. Tolerant of sandy and heavy clay soils, part shade, humidity, drought, erosion and air pollution. Best flowering and overall shape in full sun. Retains its upright shape better than most Miscanthus cultivars.
PestsNo serious pests or diseases of note. Watch for miscanthus mealybug and miscanthus blight.
Notable SpecimensThe Toronto Botanical Garden, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington, Ontario, Canada.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Leaf DescriptionTall and very thin, arching, with white marginal variegation making the plant mass look silvery, green turning beige in autumn.
Flower DescriptionVery small, reddish-copper turning silvery-white as seeds mature, in inflorescence plumes rising above the foliage. Good winter interest.
Texture DescriptionFine.

Photographs