Japanese Silver Grass Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus 'Cabaret' (v)
ABOUT
The Cabaret Japanese silver grass, with its unique and striking appearance, adds a bold statement to any landscape. It is characterized by its variegated foliage, where the leaves feature a distinctive white stripe running down the center, bordered by green edges. This elegant variegation creates a vivid contrast that catches the eye and brings a bright, lively look to the foliage. Additionally, as the seasons change, the plant flaunts plume-like flowers that emerge, adding a soft, feathery texture above the foliage. These flowers typically exhibit a creamy color that can complement the variegated leaves and persist through the season, lending an enduring visual interest to the grass. Over time, the flowers may turn into seed heads that contribute to the ornamental value of the plant during the colder months. The overall shape of the Cabaret Japanese silver grass is graceful and arching, with the leaves forming a cascading pattern that sways elegantly in the breeze. This dynamic movement adds a sense of life and natural beauty to gardens and landscapes where this plant is a feature.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Poaceae
Synonyms
Japanese Silver Grass, Maiden Grass, Eulalia, Chinese Silver Grass, Zebra Grass
Common names
Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus 'Cabaret' (v).
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Maiden Grass, specifically the Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus 'Cabaret', is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases or commonly recognized symptoms of poisoning from ingesting this plant. Always use caution and avoid ingesting plants that are not explicitly meant for consumption to prevent any possible adverse effects.
To pets
Maiden Grass, which is the common name for Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus 'Cabaret', is generally not considered toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. There are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning from pets ingesting this plant. As with humans, it is always best to prevent pets from consuming plants not intended for their diet to avoid any possible gastrointestinal upset or other unforeseen issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Plant type
Grass
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds visual interest to gardens with its striking variegated foliage and tall stature.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is able to withstand periods of low water availability.
- Cold Hardy: Can survive in colder climates, which makes it versatile for a variety of landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care after establishment, aside from occasional trimming.
- Privacy Screen: Its height and density can provide a natural privacy barrier in garden spaces.
- Erosion Control: Its root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes.
- Attracts Wildlife: Provides habitat and food sources for birds and other wildlife.
- Adaptability: Tolerates a range of soil types, from well-drained sandy soils to clay.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The broad leaves of Miscanthus sinensis 'Cabaret' can be woven to create decorative mats or small panels used in interior design.
- The tall and dense growth habit offers a natural privacy screen or windbreak in suburban gardens or rural properties.
- Dried flower heads can be used in floral arrangements or as part of decorative wreaths to add an autumnal aesthetic to home decor.
- The plant's fibrous material can be used as a bio-based component in the production of paper or biodegradable pots for gardening.
- Its robust stems can be used as a natural support for climbing plants or entwined vegetables in the garden.
- The grass can serve as a habitat and nesting material for native birds due to its dense structure and height.
- Miscanthus sinensis 'Cabaret' can be used in sound barrier planting alongside highways to help reduce traffic noise due to its dense foliage.
- The dried grass can be used as a base for scented sachets when combined with dried herbs and flowers.
- The grass is sometimes used as thatching material for small structures such as garden gazebos or decorative birdhouses.
- Its tall, striking appearance serves as inspiration for artists and photographers looking for natural subjects with strong visual impact.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Japanese Silver Grass is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Japanese Silver Grass is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Adaptability - Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus 'Cabaret', commonly known as Japanese Silver Grass, is highly adaptable in various soil conditions and climates, symbolizing the ability to thrive in diverse environments.
- Resilience - This grass is known for its resilience and ability to recover from adverse conditions, symbolic of bouncing back from life’s challenges.
- Privacy - Often used in landscaping for creating private spaces due to its dense growth, Japanese Silver Grass represents the need for personal space and solitude.
- Graceful Aging - As it transitions through the seasons with poise, changing colors and textures, it symbolizes graceful aging and the beauty in life’s different stages.
- Growth - The vigorous growth habit of Japanese Silver Grass reflects personal growth and the pursuit of improvement.
- Balance - The 'Cabaret' variety features a striking variegation in its leaves, representing balance and harmony with its contrasting colors.
WaterThe Japanese Silver Grass ‘Cabaret’ prefers consistent moisture, especially during hot and dry periods. It should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the grass with approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant each time you water. In the winter months, you can reduce the amount of water, but do not allow the soil to become completely dry. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent disease; instead, water at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry.
LightJapanese Silver Grass ‘Cabaret’ thrives in full sun conditions, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for this plant is in an area that receives unfiltered sunlight for most of the day. However, while it can tolerate some light shade, too much shade can reduce the density and vibrancy of its foliage.
TemperatureJapanese Silver Grass ‘Cabaret’ is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best when the temperature is between 60°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around -20°F, and the maximum temperature it can tolerate is up to 90°F. The plant becomes dormant in winter and can withstand chilly conditions, making it suitable for various temperate climates.
PruningPruning Japanese Silver Grass ‘Cabaret’ is important for maintaining its shape and encouraging new growth. It should be pruned back to the ground in late winter or early spring before new shoots appear. This allows sunlight to reach the base of the plant and stimulates fresh, healthy growth. Additionally, removing dead or damaged foliage throughout the growing season helps maintain the plant's appearance and overall health.
CleaningAs needed
SoilJapanese Silver Grass 'Cabaret' prefers a well-draining soil mix with good fertility. The ideal soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. Amend the soil with compost and organic matter to improve nutrient content and drainage.
RepottingJapanese Silver Grass 'Cabaret' is a large grass that typically does not require frequent repotting. Young plants may be repotted annually to encourage growth, but mature specimens can be repotted every 2-3 years or divided if necessary to manage size.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Silver Grass 'Cabaret' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and does not require specific humidity levels. It thrives outdoors where it adapts to the ambient humidity in the environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide full sun, well-draining soil, and room to grow.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus 'Cabaret' (v) is Cabaret Japanese Silver Grass. The life of this ornamental grass begins with seed germination, where warmth and moisture encourage the embryo within the seed to develop. Upon growth, the plant forms dense clumps of foliage, with variegated leaves displaying a white stripe down the center. As the grass matures, it produces tall, feathery plumes of flowers in late summer to fall, which can range in color from silver to pink or red. Following pollination, these flowers produce seeds that can disperse to create new plants if conditions are favorable. The grass is a perennial, so after flowering, the plant will enter a period of dormancy in winter where above-ground foliage dies back, but it will regrow from the roots in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The most popular method of propagating the Japanese Silver Grass 'Cabaret' is through division. This is typically done in the spring as the grass begins to regrow after the winter dormancy period. To propagate by division, gardeners should dig up a well-established clump of the grass and carefully split it into smaller sections making sure each new section has a portion of the root system intact. These divisions can then be immediately replanted in a suitable location where they will quickly establish and grow into new plants. It is essential to water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them.
