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New plants: Miscanthus sinensis ‘Boucle’
Miscanthus have really come into vogue in recent years, as ornamental grasses surge in popularity. Now, in another leap forward, we have a unique new red-flowered variety
Ornamental grasses really come into their own in late summer and autumn; setting off
What’s so special about Miscanthus sinensis ‘Boucle’?
As new and improved varieties of Miscanthus have been introduced from North America and from mainland Europe in recent years, three features have seen significant improvements: flower colour, reliability of flowering, and neat growth. ‘Boucle’ brings us all three, plus a new flower form and brilliant autumn foliage colour.
The Polish breeder Artur Maj, who developed ‘Boucle’, says on his website: “‘Boucle’ is characterized by unique inflorescences which, in the first phase of flowering, take a strongly crimped, compact form. The flower heads then open and take on a ruffled, twisted shape in an intense purple, turning silver in late autumn. The rich colouring is enhanced by cool weather.”
Hayloft Plants describe the flower plume as “a bouffant, upswept perm worthy of the set of Dallas”. Bouclé is French for curly, so it’s an apt name for these perfectly crimped crimson tassles.
The crimson, tassle-like plumes of ‘Boucle’ are distinctively crimped
Where did Miscanthus sinensis ‘Boucle’ come from?
‘Boucle’ was developed by Artur Maj of Daglezjaryki nursery in Poland, as part of his continuing programme of improving Miscanthus for garden and landscape use. ‘Boucle’ was selected from a large batch of seedings grown on the nursery in 2013, tested for quality and reliability, and introduced to the trade in 2019. ‘Boucle’ is now available in Britain.
Artur Maj has two more new Miscanthus coming soon – ‘Polonus’, with purple plumes in a more familiar form, and ‘Silver Charm’ with silvery plumes that mature to white, so watch this space.
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Growing Miscanthus sinensis ‘Boucle’
‘Boucle’ is easy to grow in any fertile, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. It is exceptionally winter hardy, being rated as RHS H7 (the hardiest category).
It can also be grown in containers, but be sure to keep the roots consistently moist, stand the pot on feet to ensue good drainage, and do not allow the plant to become parched – hot, dry summer conditions are unlikely to kill it, but may ruin the look of the foliage.
Cut the plant back hard in late winter or early spring as it begins to look ragged.
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The stages a ‘Boucle’ plume goes through as it opens
Where can I buy Miscanthus sinensis ‘Boucle’?
The stages a ‘Boucle’ plume goes through as it opens
You can buy Miscanthus ‘Boucle’ from Hayloft Plants, Farmer Gracy and other mail order suppliers, as well as some garden centres.
