Maiden Grass Miscanthus sinensis 'Grosse Fontäne'
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Maiden Grass 'Grosse Fontäne' features an elegant and arching growth habit that gives it a fountain-like appearance, hence the name which translates to "Large Fountain" in German. Its foliage is long and slender with a fine texture, displaying a silvery green color that adds a gentle and calming hue to any landscape. Each blade of grass has a distinct white midrib that runs the length of the leaf, creating a striking contrast and visual interest. As the seasons progress, Maiden Grass 'Grosse Fontäne' takes on a beautiful transformation. The leaves develop golden hues, especially in the fall, providing a splendid display of autumn color. This ornamental grass also produces feathery, plume-like flowers in late summer through fall, which begin with a pinkish or reddish tinge and mature into a soft silvery white. These flower plumes rise above the foliage in a spectacular showy display, capturing the light and adding a sense of movement as they sway in the breeze. The plant has an overall graceful and upright form, with a clumping nature that does not spread aggressively. This well-behaved growth habit makes it a popular choice for gardens where it can serve as a focal point or as part of a mixed border. Throughout the year, Maiden Grass 'Grosse Fontäne' offers visual interest and textural contrast to the landscape, making it a valuable addition for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance yet visually appealing plant.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Poaceae
Synonyms
Maiden Grass, Chinese Silver Grass, Eulalia, Japanese Silver Grass, Porcupine Grass
Common names
Miscanthus sinensis 'Grosse Fontäne'.
ToxicityTo humans
Miscanthus, also known as maiden grass, is not considered toxic to humans. Therefore, the variety Miscanthus sinensis 'Grosse Fontäne' should not cause symptoms of poisoning if ingested. However, as with any plant, individual allergies and sensitivities can occur, so it is always wise to avoid eating ornamental plants.
To pets
Maiden grass is not known to be toxic to pets. Therefore, the variety Miscanthus sinensis 'Grosse Fontäne' is not expected to cause symptoms of poisoning if pets were to ingest parts of the plant. As with humans, individual sensitivities can vary, so pets should not be encouraged to eat ornamental plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Silvery
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters)
Plant type
Grass
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Adds aesthetic value to gardens with its tall, arching silver-green blades and feathery flower plumes.
- Easy Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, tolerating a range of soil conditions and drought.
- Erosion Control: Its robust root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or banks.
- Privacy Screen: Can be used to create natural, tall barriers or living fences for privacy in landscapes.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and food for birds and insects, enhancing biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round visual interest, with vivid green foliage in summer and bronze to reddish hues in fall and winter.
- Bioenergy Crop: Miscanthus sinensis is researched for biofuel production due to its high biomass yield.
- Diverse Landscaping: Suitable for mass plantings, specimen planting, or as a focal point in a mixed border.
- Hardiness: It is generally resistant to pests and diseases, ensuring a long lifespan with fewer chemical interventions.
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 used as acoustic insulation in buildings due to its dense foliage helping to absorb sound.
- It can be integrated into living walls or green facades for aesthetic improvements on building exteriors.
- The fibrous material of maiden grass can be used in basket-weaving and crafting unique home decor items.
- Dried maiden grass can be used as a natural stuffing material for handcrafted pillows and toys.
- The tall and sturdy stalks of maiden grass can be used to create lightweight garden stakes for supporting other plants.
- Maiden grass can serve as a natural windbreak in gardens or farms, reducing soil erosion from wind.
- The dense growth habit can provide a habitat for beneficial garden insects and small wildlife such as birds and butterflies.
- Used as a cover crop, maiden grass can enhance soil health and protect against weeds in agricultural settings.
- The plant can be used in floral arrangements, especially in the fall when the plumes are in full bloom.
- Maiden grass is suitable for school or community garden projects focused on teaching about sustainable landscaping practices.
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- Adaptability: The Miscanthus sinensis 'Grosse Fontäne', commonly known as Maiden Grass, is highly adaptable to various conditions, symbolizing flexibility and the ability to thrive in diverse situations.
- Resilience: Maiden Grass can withstand many environmental challenges, representing resilience and the capacity to recover from adversity.
- Privacy: Since Maiden Grass can grow to be quite tall and dense, it is often used as a natural screen, symbolizing the need for privacy and personal space.
- Growth: The tall nature and quick growth of Maiden Grass can symbolize personal growth and the achievement of one's goals over time.
- Beauty: With its graceful appearance and feathery plumes, Maiden Grass is also a symbol of beauty and the natural elegance found in simplicity.
WaterMaiden Grass requires regular watering, especially during its first growing season to establish a deep root system. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, but it benefits from occasional deep watering during extended dry periods. Water the grass with about 1 inch of water per week, which translates approximately to 0.6 gallons per square yard, taking into account rainfall. During hot, dry spells, increase the watering to twice per week. Avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot.
LightMaiden Grass thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant it in a location where it can receive unfiltered sunlight throughout the day for optimum growth and flowering. It can tolerate some light shade, but too much shade can result in a floppy, less vigorous plant.
TemperatureMaiden Grass is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, typically zones 5 through 9. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit, while the ideal growing conditions range from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It is heat tolerant and can handle the high summer temperatures well.
PruningPruning Maiden Grass should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. This involves cutting back the grass to about 4 to 6 inches from the ground to remove dead foliage and encourage fresh growth. It's typically only necessary to prune once a year; this also helps maintain the plant's shape and vigor.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMaiden Grass thrives in well-draining soil enhanced with compost and prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.0. A mix of loam, compost, and sand can create an ideal growing medium.
RepottingMaiden Grass, being a large perennial, does not typically require repotting. It is best planted directly in the ground and divided every few years to maintain its vigor.
Humidity & MistingMaiden Grass is adaptable and tolerates a wide range of humidity levels, thriving in average outdoor conditions without the need for specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and ample space; not ideal for indoor growth.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, space to accommodate size.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe maiden grass 'Grosse Fontäne' (Miscanthus sinensis) begins its life cycle with seed germination in the spring when soil temperatures rise and light levels increase. After germination, seedlings establish themselves, forming a clump of dense foliage that is capable of photosynthesis. Throughout the growing season, the plant develops elongated leaves and stems, eventually reaching its mature height and form. In late summer to early fall, feathery flower plumes emerge, adding visual interest and setting seed if pollination occurs. With the onset of winter, the plant enters dormancy, its foliage and stems turning brown and dry, but providing winter interest and habitat for wildlife. In the following spring, the cycle may begin anew, with new growth emerging from the base as the plant is often cut back to help rejuvenate and encourage a flush of fresh foliage.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Spring-Early Summer
The Miscanthus sinensis 'Grosse Fontäne', commonly known as Maiden Grass, is typically propagated through division. The ideal time for this is in late winter to early spring before new growth begins. To propagate Maiden Grass by division, one should dig up an established clump and carefully separate the root ball into smaller sections with a sharp spade or knife. Each section should have several shoots and a healthy portion of roots. These divisions can then be replanted in a well-prepared soil with ample space for the roots to spread out. Watering thoroughly after planting ensures that the divisions establish themselves in their new locations, ready to grow into separate clumps of the ornamental grass.
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