Chinese Silver Grass

Chinese Silver Grass (Miscanthus sinensis) is the bold ornamental grass for the back of a border. It forms a fast growing clump about 1m tall and 1m wide of arching green leaves, then sends up tall plumes of buff-brown flowers in late summer and autumn that fade to a silvery cream. It is tough, totally cold hardy and unfussy about soil.

Why you'll love it

• Plumes that change with the season. The arching flower heads open buff-brown and age through autumn to a warm, silvery cream.
• Warm autumn tones. Stems fade to an attractive toasty brown, and the leaves often pick up spicy shades as the weather cools.
• Quick to establish. A fast growing grass, it makes a full clump quickly, so a back-of-border drift fills out without a long wait.
• Very tough. Totally cold hardy, happy in almost any soil including heavy clay, and in need of little after-care.
• Cut flowers and wildlife. The plumes dry well for arrangements, and the clump suits a wildlife garden.

Where it works best

Back of the border. Plant 1m apart in a drift behind lower perennials and shrubs. The tall plumes rise above everything in front of them in late summer.

Prairie style gardens. Mix it with other grasses and sun loving perennials for the loose, naturalistic look that is popular in contemporary gardens.

Cutting gardens. Harvest a few stems when the plumes are at their fluffiest. They keep their shape in a vase and dry well.

Growing Chinese Silver Grass in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the best flowering, though it tolerates part shade. It is totally cold hardy, so frost is no concern, and it grows across most of the country. In warm, humid gardens it will thrive provided the soil is not left sodden.

Soil. Almost any soil will do, heavy clay included, as long as it is not boggy. Soil that stays wet through winter is the one thing to avoid, so mound the bed if drainage is poor.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well after planting and through the first summer. After that it needs little attention, and feeding is optional.

Pruning. Remove dead flowerstalks to tidy the clump. In late winter, cut the old growth to just above the ground before the new shoots appear. If your garden backs onto bushland in a mild, moist district, cut the plumes before they shed seed so the plant does not wander.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Chinese Silver Grass as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes are the economical choice for a long drift. The 140mm pots arrive with a bigger root system and settle in a little faster. Choose your size on this page.

Tube stock comes from our grower, who does not always have it. When there is none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Grasses for landscaping
• A guide to ornamental grasses
• Plants with autumn colour
• More plants for mass planting

Common questions

How big does it get and how far apart should I plant it?

The clump reaches about 1m tall and 1m wide, with the plumes rising above it in late summer. Plant 1m apart for a drift.

Does it spread or self-seed?

It grows as a clump rather than running. In mild, moist districts it can seed into nearby bush, so cut the plumes before they shed if your garden borders bushland.

Can it cope with heavy clay?

Yes. It grows in almost any soil, but keep it out of ground that stays wet through winter, because wet roots are its main weakness.