Eulalia 'Gold und Silber' Miscanthus sinensis 'Gold und Silber'
ABOUT
'Gold und Silber' is a compact deciduous grass to 1.4m tall, with narrow, arching leaves faintly blotched with yellow and turning orange in autumn; feathery reddish flower heads open in late summer
About this plant
NamesFamily
Poaceae
Synonyms
Chinese Silver Grass, Eulalia, Maiden Grass, Zebra Grass
Common names
Miscanthus sinensis 'Gold und Silber'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Silvery
Height
4-7 feet (1.2-2.1 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Grass
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its variegated foliage and elegant plumes.
- Privacy Screening: Can be used as a tall, dense screen or hedge for privacy in landscapes.
- Winter Interest: Retains structure and provides visual interest during the winter months.
- Erosion Control: The robust root system helps to prevent soil erosion on slopes and banks.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and food for birds and other wildlife.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has low water requirements and is resistant to drought.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once it is established, with no need for frequent watering or fertilizing.
- Adaptability: Thrives in a wide range of soil types and climatic conditions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Maiden grass can be utilized as an acoustic barrier when planted densely, as its thick foliage can help dampen noise pollution.
- Its strong, tall stems are often used as natural stakes to support other plants in the garden.
- The dried stems of maiden grass can be crafted into brooms or brushes for garden use.
- The fibrous material from the plant can be used in paper-making workshops for creating handmade paper.
- When left to stand in winter, these grasses provide shelter and habitat for local wildlife, particularly beneficial insects and birds.
- Maiden grass is used in landscaping to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
- The plant can serve as a privacy screen for outdoor areas like patios or pools, growing quickly to provide a natural barrier.
- It can be incorporated into thatched roofs for garden structures such as gazebos or pergolas, due to its durability when dried.
- Professional photographers sometimes use maiden grass as a soft-focus background in portrait photography because of its feathery plumes.
- During fall, maiden grass is harvested for decorative purposes, especially for creating autumnal displays and arrangements.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Maiden grass is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Maiden grass is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Miscanthus sinensis 'Gold und Silber', commonly known as Zebra Grass, often represents resilience due to its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions and bounce back after hardship.
- Flexibility: The flexible nature of Zebra Grass, which sways gently in the wind, symbolizes adaptability and openness to change.
- Balance: The distinctive horizontal gold and silver bands on the leaves of Zebra Grass symbolize balance and harmony, reflecting the plant’s name and its equable appearance.
- Privacy: Zebra Grass is commonly used in landscaping to create natural barriers, symbolizing the need for privacy and personal space.
- Growth: As Zebra Grass can grow relatively tall, it is often associated with continuous personal or spiritual growth.
WaterMaiden Grass should be watered thoroughly once a week, allowing soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During the first growing season, establishing a deep root system is crucial, therefore water the plant deeply at least once a week, providing about 1.5 gallons per session, depending on the soil type and weather conditions. During hot, dry periods, increase the frequency to twice a week. Reduce watering in the fall as the plant prepares for dormancy, and in winter, water sparingly, only if the soil is completely dry and there is no natural precipitation.
LightMaiden Grass thrives best in full sun conditions, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to perform optimally. An ideal spot is one that offers unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day. Partial shade is tolerated, but too much shade can result in less vigorous growth and fewer plumes.
TemperatureMaiden Grass is hardy and can tolerate a wide temperature range, surviving minimum temperatures down to around -20°F. It grows best in temperatures that average between 75°F and 90°F. Avoid planting in areas where temperatures consistently exceed 95°F as extreme heat can stress the plant.
PruningPrune Maiden Grass in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, cutting the plant back to about 4 inches from the ground. This encourages healthy, vigorous new growth and maintains an attractive shape. Pruning is also a good time to remove any dead or damaged foliage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMaiden Grass prefers a well-draining soil mix with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. A blend of loamy soil, compost, and coarse sand is ideal to ensure nutrients and adequate drainage. Amend with organic material to enrich the soil and promote healthy growth.
RepottingMaiden Grass, being a larger perennial grass, doesn't require frequent repotting. It should be repotted or divided every 3 to 4 years or when it becomes root-bound to maintain its health and vigor.
Humidity & MistingMaiden Grass is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements. It typically adapts to the ambient humidity outdoors and grows well in typical garden conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Maid Grass in a large pot with ample light.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot with space for growth.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleMiscanthus sinensis 'Gold und Silber', also known as Chinese silver grass, begins its life cycle as a seed, although it is often propagated via division of its rhizomes. Upon germinating in spring, the young plants start to develop their root systems and early shoots. As the growing season progresses into summer, these shoots develop into tall grass blades, with the plant's characteristic variegated silver and gold stripes becoming evident, and reaching typical heights of up to 4-6 feet. By late summer to early autumn, it produces plume-like flower panicles that can add an additional 1-2 feet to the plant's overall height. After flowering, seeds are produced, which can be dispersed, but reproduction is primarily vegetative. With the onset of winter, the grass dies back, though the foliage often remains standing and provides architectural interest, before it re-emerges in the spring to begin the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer
The most popular method for propagating Miscanthus sinensis 'Gold und Silber', commonly known as Maiden Grass, is through division. The best time to divide this ornamental grass is in the early spring, just as new growth begins. To propagate by division, dig up the entire clump of the grass and gently pull or cut the roots into several sections, each with multiple shoots and a sufficient root system. Each section should be replanted promptly at the same level it was growing at before to ensure successful rooting. Replanting should be followed by thorough watering to settle the soil around the roots. Within a few weeks, these divisions will establish themselves and start to grow, becoming new, independent plants that mirror the characteristics of the parent plant.
