Variegated Maiden Grass Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus' (v)
ABOUT
Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus', commonly known as Variegated Silver Grass, is a striking ornamental grass known for its distinctive appearance. The foliage of this plant features long, arching leaves that have a creamy white to light yellow variegation running along the edges, with a green center strip. This variegation creates a bright, contrasting effect that can add visual interest to any garden setting. The leaves have a slightly rough texture and gracefully cascade, forming a mound-like shape. During later in the season, the Variegated Silver Grass produces feathery plumes that can be distinguished by their soft, fluffy appearance. These plumes are initially a pinkish or silvery color gradually transitioning to a cream or off-white as they mature. The overall impression of Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus' is one of elegance and lightness, with its variegated leaves swaying gently in the breeze and its delicate plumes adding a touch of softness to the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Poaceae
Synonyms
Variegated Silver Grass, Japanese Silver Grass, Variegated Eulalia Grass, Variegated Maiden Grass
Common names
Miscanthus sinensis var. variegatus, Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus'.
ToxicityTo humans
Variegated silver grass is generally not considered toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of the plant is unlikely to result in poisoning or serious health consequences. However, it's always best to avoid eating ornamental plants as a precautionary measure.
To pets
Variegated silver grass is not typically known to be toxic to pets. If a pet were to ingest parts of the plant, it is unlikely to cause poisoning. Still, it is advisable to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants to avoid any potential gastrointestinal upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Grass
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The plant features striking variegated foliage that adds visual interest to gardens.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of drought, making it suitable for water-efficient landscaping.
- Erosion Control: Its robust root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or banks.
- Habitat Support: Provides shelter and food for wildlife, including birds and insects.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it an easy option for gardeners of all levels.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round visual interest with changing foliage colors and feathery flower plumes.
- Privacy Screen: Can be used to create a natural screen or hedge, offering privacy in garden spaces.
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 'Variegatus', also known as variegated silver grass, can be used as a natural privacy screen due to its tall and dense growth habit.
- It serves as an excellent backdrop for water features, providing a beautiful, contrasting texture against the reflective surface of the water.
- Variegated silver grass is a popular option for creating sound barriers along roads or highways, as its dense foliage helps to mute traffic noise.
- This plant can be used in wildlife gardens to provide cover and nesting material for birds, as well as a habitat for beneficial insects.
- The tall, stiff stalks of variegated silver grass remain upright in winter, providing structural interest in the garden during the dormant season.
- The dry leaves and stalks can be used in floral arrangements, adding height and an interesting texture to both fresh and dried bouquets.
- Variegated silver grass can be planted to stabilize soil and control erosion on slopes or banks, due to its extensive root system.
- In areas where it is allowed, the grass can be used as a biofuel crop, providing biomass for the production of energy.
- During fall, the grass provides a foraging ground for birds seeking seeds, thus fostering local biodiversity.
- The plant's striking variegated foliage can be used in photography and painting as a natural pattern or texture inspiration.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant variegated silver grass is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant variegated silver grass is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Adaptability: Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus', commonly known as Variegated Silver Grass, can thrive in a variety of climates and conditions, symbolizing flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Resilience: This plant is known for its ability to withstand harsh weather and poor soil, making it a symbol of strength and endurance through difficult times.
- Growth and Renewal: Silver Grass is a perennial that grows back stronger each year, representing persistent growth and the renewal of life cycles.
- Privacy and Boundaries: Often used as a screening plant in gardens, Variegated Silver Grass can symbolize the need for personal space and setting healthy boundaries.
- Beauty in Simplicity: The straightforward elegance of the plant's leaves and feathery plumes can remind us of the beauty found in simple, unassuming forms.
WaterVariegated Silver Grass prefers consistent moisture but can tolerate some drought once established. During the growing season, it should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. The amount of water may vary, but typically, about 1 to 1.5 gallons per week will suffice depending on climate conditions. In hotter, drier climates, more frequent watering may be necessary. Cut back on watering during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
LightVariegated Silver Grass thrives in full sun to part shade. The ideal spot for this plant would be an area where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, it can also perform well in light shade, where it receives filtered sunlight or direct sun only part of the day. Avoid deep shade as it can cause the plant to grow less vigorously.
TemperatureVariegated Silver Grass is hardy in a wide range of temperatures, typically between 5°F and 90°F. It can survive brief drops below this range but prefers consistent temperatures between 40°F and 75°F for optimal growth. This grass does well in the temperature variations typical to many temperate climates.
PruningVariegated Silver Grass should be pruned to remove dead foliage and stimulate new growth. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring before new shoots appear. Cut the plant back to about 4 to 6 inches from the ground. This annual pruning helps maintain a tidy appearance and promotes vigorous, healthy new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilVariegated Silver Grass, or Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus', thrives in a soil mix that is well-draining, composed of loam, compost, and sand or perlite. The ideal soil pH for this plant should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. Ensuring that the soil is rich in organic matter will help support its growth.
RepottingVariegated Silver Grass is typically not repotted since it is a large, perennial grass best suited for outdoor gardens. It does not have the common requirement for repotting like container plants but may be divided every few years in the spring if overgrowth occurs.
Humidity & MistingVariegated Silver Grass can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels and is quite adaptable in this regard. While it prefers some moisture in the air, this robust ornamental grass is not particularly demanding of high humidity, making it suitable for most outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant in large containers with ample light.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, space out plants.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Variegated Japanese Silver Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus') begins with seed germination in spring, requiring warm soil temperatures and moisture. Following germination, the seedling establishes itself with a developing root system and shoots that grow into long, arching leaves characterized by their striking variegation. The plant grows actively through the spring and summer, forming dense clumps. By late summer to early fall, it produces tall, feathery flower plumes that can persist into winter, offering ornamental interest. After flowering, seeds may be produced, which disperse to give rise to new plants, although this cultivar is often less viable from seed and primarily expands clonally through its rhizomatous root system. Finally, the plant goes through a period of dormancy in winter, where the above-ground foliage dies back, and it conserves energy in its roots for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus', commonly known as Variegated Silver Grass, is typically propagated through division. The best time to propagate this grass is in the spring, just before new growth begins. To propagate through division, carefully dig up an established clump of Variegated Silver Grass and use a sharp spade or knife to divide the root mass into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. These divisions should then be replanted at the same depth they were originally growing, spaced approximately 3 to 4 feet apart to allow for mature spread. Water the new divisions well to help establish them. This clumping grass does not produce viable seed consistently, so division is the preferred and most reliable method of propagation for maintaining the variegated characteristics of this ornamental grass.
