Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light'
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MAIDEN GRASS
Family Name: Poaceae
Pronounced: mis-KANTH-us si-NEN-sis
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Grasses.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 2-24.
USDA zones: 6-9.
Heat zones: 9-1.
Mature size:
Height: 4-6 feet (1-2 m).
Width: 4 feet (1 m).
Flowering period:
Autumn.
Flowering attributes:
Coppery flower plumes.
Leaf attributes:
Narrow, curved green leaves, with narrow white leaf margins.
Growth habit:
Clump forming.
Light:
Full sun.
Soil:
Fertile, moist, well-drained soil.
Propagation Methods:
Divide when new growth begins.
Pruning Methods:
Cut old stems to the ground in late winter to early spring.
Rainy Side Notes
Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light' is similar to M. sinensis 'Gracillimus', but its white leaf margins give it a silvery affect. Coppery-colored flowers in early autumn add fall interest. The flowers and foliage fade to a beautiful tan color in winter and add superb winter elements to the garden.
M. 'Morning Light' came into cultivation almost a century ago in Japan. In 1976, Sylvester March and John Creech introduced this cultivar into our country. This maiden grass does not flop, nor does it self sow, a great plus for a grass.
M. 'Morning Light' grows best when you water it weekly during our summer drought.
In 2004, M. 'Morning Light' was chosen as a Great Plant Pick, and in 2001 was given an Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society. I give it two green thumbs up, as a great grass for the maritime Pacific Northwest.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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