Miscanthus sinensis Morning Light 'Morning Light'

Variegated Maiden Grass

Morning Light Grass is a gracefully arching, fine-textured grass that forms dense, green clumps. Slender leaves originate in a clump, spreading out and up like a fountain. The 5 to 6-foot-tall clumps bear pink flowers in late summer and fall which can be used for drying or as a dye plant. Their pinkish or silvery 8- to 10-inch-long plumes persist into the winter. Foliage is flexible and blows easily in the wind. This shrub-like grass turns to a rich gold in the fall; the fall color lasts through the winter.

Morning Light Grass is frequently used in the landscape as a specimen or screen. It is also employed in group plantings forming a nice mass of fine-textured foliage, especially near a water garden or pond. Use Miscanthus as an accent or mass planted in a large-scale landscape, such as around a commercial building to add a touch of soft elegance and texture. The slightest breeze moves the foliage allowing the landscape to `come alive'.

This grass requires a location in the landscape that receives full sun, but will tolerate some shade. Miscanthus sinensis is a warm season grass, transplants best in the spring and it is quite drought tolerant. Three to four year plants tend to flop over and might thin in the center of the clump. They can be divided or cut back to encourage more upright growth. Many people prefer to cut the grass back to the ground in the spring so new green growth is not mixed with last year's dried, brown foliage.

Height 4-6 Feet

Spread 6-10 Feet

USDA Hardiness Zone 4A to 9A

Characteristics & Attributes