Miscanthus
'Cosmopolitan', goes by a number of common names: Japanese Silver
Grass, Chinese Silver Grass, Variegated Eulalea Grass, and Variegated
Maiden Grass. Regardless of the name you choose to call it this is a
big enthusiastic plant. The midrib is green an white strips go up
each side of the leaf. The canes easily reach 6-8 feet and can get
to 10 feet tall in a good location. Miscanthus
sinensis variegatus has multiple white stripes up the middle of the
leaves. I cut these grasses back near the end of
winter as the season starts to warm. At about this time the
new shoots are forming and the old material has done its best to protect
the new growth from frost. If you are looking for plants that
provide seasonal interest, from the variegated foliage, to the dry plumes
this is an entertaining addition to the landscape. I have had a
minimal amount of starts from seedlings, they generally don't come
true. Division is an easier method of propagation.
Plants prefer regular water but will get by on a moderate diet.
High resolution images
of Miscanthus Cosmopolitan are available.
