Miscanthus nepalensis

RHS Plant Profile
Himalayan fairy grass

Other common names

Nepal silver grass

Grass Like

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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