Maiden grass Miscanthus sinensis 'Undine'
ABOUT
Miscanthus sinensis 'Undine', commonly known as Chinese silver grass or maiden grass, is a graceful ornamental grass recognized for its elegant form and foliage. The plant features arching leaves that have a slender and elongated shape. These leaves display a green color and commonly bear a silver stripe running down the center, adding to its visual interest. Throughout the growing season, the foliage may take on different hues, often transforming into lovely shades of yellow or bronze, especially as the cooler temperatures of fall approach. The plant is also cherished for its spectacular feathery plumes, which emerge above the foliage and add a soft texture to the landscape. These plumes or flower panicles start out with a pinkish or reddish tint and mature into a silvery white, catching the light and swaying gracefully with the breeze. This flowering feature adds a significant visual appeal that lasts from late summer through the fall and even into the winter months, providing interest even when the garden is mostly dormant. The overall shape of Miscanthus sinensis 'Undine' is that of a mounded clump, with leaves cascading down in a fountain-like manner. This creates a lush and full appearance, making it a striking choice for garden beds, borders, or as a specimen plant. Its texture and form have a notable impact on garden design, bringing both movement and a sense of softness to the landscape. Despite its elegant and delicate look, this plant is quite hardy and can adapt to various planting environments, which contributes to its popularity among garden enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Poaceae.
Synonyms
Chinese Silver Grass, Eulalia, Maiden Grass, Zebra Grass, Japanese Silver Grass.
Common names
Miscanthus sinensis 'Undine'.
ToxicityTo humans
Miscanthus, commonly known as Maiden Grass, is not commonly listed as toxic to humans. However, it is always recommended to exercise caution and avoid ingesting parts of ornamental plants because individual reactions can vary. There is no widely reported case of toxicity in humans from the ingestion of Miscanthus.
To pets
Maiden Grass is not commonly listed as toxic to pets. However, caution should still be exercised, as gastrointestinal irritation or blockage could occur if pets ingest large quantities of the grass, especially since the foliage can be quite tough. Always monitor pets in gardens and avoid letting them chew on ornamental plants. If a pet appears to be ill after ingestion, a veterinarian should be consulted.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Grass
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its tall, graceful stems and feathery seed heads.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is quite tolerant of drought, making it a good choice for dry gardens or xeriscaping.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, needing only occasional watering and no fertilizer.
- Erosion Control: Its deep root system helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or banks.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and food for birds and other wildlife, especially in the winter.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round visual interest, with green foliage in spring and summer, turning to bronze or gold tones in the fall, and dried seed heads in the winter.
- Cold Hardy: Can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for a variety of climates.
- Privacy Screen: Its dense growth habit makes it a good choice for creating living screens or hedges.
- Versatility: Can be used in a wide range of landscape designs, including modern, traditional, and naturalized settings.
- Urban Tolerant: Can thrive in urban environments, tolerating some air pollution and urban soil conditions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Miscanthus sinensis 'Undine', commonly known as Maiden Grass, can be used as a material for papermaking due to its fibrous texture.
- This ornamental grass can be woven into mats or screens, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fibers.
- In some regions, Miscanthus is used in basketry for creating decorative home goods and practical carrying implements.
- Maiden Grass can serve as a natural dye source, where different parts of the plant yield various colors for textiles.
- In the garden, dried Miscanthus stalks can be used as natural stakes to support other plants.
- The tall, dense growth of Maiden Grass can be employed for soundproofing garden areas or outdoor spaces.
- Miscanthus stalks can be used as kindling or a natural fire starter due to their quick-drying properties post-harvest.
- The plant's tall and sturdy structure allows it to be utilized as a living snow fence in colder climates, reducing snowdrift on roads.
- Maiden Grass can be incorporated into floral arrangements, both fresh and dried, adding texture and movement.
- The dense growth habit of Miscanthus makes it a suitable habitat for local wildlife, providing shelter and nesting material.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chinese Silver Grass is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chinese Silver Grass is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Flexibility and Resilience: The Miscanthus sinensis 'Undine', commonly known as Maiden Grass, can bend gracefully with the wind without breaking, symbolizing the ability to adapt and recover from challenges.
- Privacy and Boundaries: As Maiden Grass is often used as a screen in gardens, it can represent the importance of maintaining personal space and healthy boundaries.
- Elegance and Beauty: With its fine foliage and attractive plumes, Maiden Grass signifies the understated elegance and natural beauty inherent in simplicity.
- Growth and Regeneration: As a perennial grass that returns each year larger than before, Maiden Grass embodies the idea of continual growth and regeneration.
- Seasonal Change: Reflective of its changing appearance through the seasons, Maiden Grass can symbolize the transient nature of life and the constant presence of change.
WaterMaiden Grass should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time to ensure moisture reaches the roots. During hot and dry periods, increase the frequency to twice a week. Overwatering or poor drainage may lead to root rot, so ensure that the soil is well-draining. During the winter, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant and requires less moisture.
LightMaiden Grass thrives in full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It can also tolerate partial shade, but full sun exposure is essential for the plant to reach its full potential with regards to growth and plume production.
TemperatureMaiden Grass is hardy and prefers temperatures in the range of 70 to 90°F for optimal growth. It can survive a wide temperature range, tolerating a minimum temperature around 5°F and maximum summer temperatures of about 95°F.
PruningMaiden Grass should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This is done to remove old, dead growth and to maintain plant shape. Pruning annually will promote healthier and more vigorous plants. Cut the grass back to about 4 to 6 inches above the ground.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMaiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Undine') thrives in a well-draining soil mix with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. A mix composed of loam, compost, and some sandy soil or perlite can provide the right balance of nutrients, drainage, and aeration for optimal growth.
RepottingMaiden Grass is not typically grown in containers as it's a large perennial grass; therefore, repotting is not applicable. In a garden setting, divide the grass every few years to manage its size and promote vigorous growth.
Humidity & MistingMaiden Grass is adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions and does not require any specific humidity levels when grown outdoors in its preferred climate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoors; needs full sun.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleMiscanthus sinensis 'Undine', commonly known as Maiden grass, begins its life cycle as a perennial rhizome, which will sprout new shoots each spring. These grassy shoots rapidly grow into tall, slender stems topped with feathery plumes as the plant enters the vegetative stage. During the summer, green, arching foliage develops and the plant matures, with clumps widening through the spread of rhizomes. In late summer to fall, the plant blossoms, producing flower plumes that can add texture and movement to the landscape and may vary in color from silver to pink. Following pollination, seeds may form, but propagation via division of the rhizomes is more common for maintaining or expanding plantings. With the onset of winter, the above-ground parts of the Maiden grass die back, but the rhizomes survive underground, ready to regenerate the next spring, completing its perennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Miscanthus sinensis 'Undine', commonly known as Maiden Grass, is most often propagated by division, which is best performed in late winter before new growth begins or in early spring as the plant emerges from dormancy. To propagate by division, carefully unearth the clump of grass, taking care to minimize root damage. Using a sharp spade or knife, split the clump into smaller sections, ensuring each section has a healthy portion of roots and shoots. Replant the divisions immediately at the same soil depth they were originally growing, spacing them about 3 to 6 feet apart (approximately 0.9 to 1.8 meters) to allow for mature growth spreading. Water the new divisions thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets.
