Miscanthus x giganteus

Miscanthus × giganteus, Giant Miscanthus, is a very tall-growing perennial grass, the resultant hybrid cross of Miscanthus sinensis, Chinese Silver Grass, and Miscanthus sacchariflorus, Amur Silver Grass, both large grasses from temperate Asia. Not a small thing, the luxuriant tropical-looking foliage of Miscanthus × giganteus reaches an extraordinary 3.5 metres with the flowering plume in late summer extending up to 5 metres.

It is a sterile hybrid so does not set seed but spreads by tough woody rhizomes quickly forming a large clump. If space permits, a line of plants can make an effective screen or wind-break and it is widely used commercially as a bio-mass crop. In most size-limited UK gardens one plant is enough and a large space or corner should be allowed for.

Its graceful arching foliage is extremely attractive and as the clump grows it takes on a very exotic appearance. The flowering plume is also very elegant, a silvery colour flushed with purple.

As it dies back in the last autumn, the maize-like foliage turns a sandy brown and it can be left in place throughout the winter creating a pleasing skeletal effect. It creates warm shelter for small wildlife and looks wonderful dusted with frost.