Grass - Giant Silver

Easily grown in average, medium to wet soils in full sun. Tolerant of a wide range of soils from well-drained sandy soils to the heavy clays present in much of the St. Louis area. Best in moist soils with full sun. Less vigorous with decreased flowering and tendency to flop in shady locations. Tolerant of summer heat and humidity. Clumps slowly expand in circumference by short rhizomes, but retain clump shape. Though clumps may grow quite tall, they seldom need staking. Clumps should be left standing throughout the winter for visual interest and to provide protection for the crowns. Cut foliage back to the ground in early spring just before the new leaf blades appear.

Miscanthus floridulus, commonly called giant miscanthus or giant Chinese silver grass, is noted for its large size, its somewhat coarse foliage and its feathery inflorescences which have a prominent central rachis as opposed to the tassel-like inflorescences of the popular Miscanthus sinensis and its cultivars. It is native to lowland areas in certain Asian islands in the Pacific Ocean and will generally grow in wetter soils than most other species of Miscanthus. It is also one of the tallest of the eulalia grasses. Features a massive upright foliage clump rising 6-8' tall of wide (to 1.5"), arching, green leaves on erect, tough, vertical stems. Tiny pink-tinged flowers in feathery inflorescences appear in late summer on stalks rising well above the foliage to 8-12' tall. Inflorescences turn silvery as the seed sets, with the continuing flower effect of the plumes lasting well into if not through the winter. Foliage acquires purplish tints in autumn, gradually turning to uniform tan by winter.