Miscanthus nepalensis
Himalayan fairy grass
M. nepalensis is a deciduous ornamental grass to 1m in height with arching, linear green leaves from spring to autumn, often turning bronze in winter. It bears terminal panicles of pale yellow spikelets in summer, forming into yellow seed-heads in autumn, finally turning brown-yellow in winter
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter | Yellow Brown | Bronze |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Miscanthus can be deciduous or evergreen grasses with tufted or spreading habit, erect stems bearing arching, linear leaves and terminal panicles of silky spikelets in late summer or autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S & SE Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Protect from excessive winter wet
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Gravel garden
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
- Hedging and screens
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring taking care not to damage new shoots. Cut stems can be left on the border as a mulch or composted
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.