The short answer

Quick Answer

Miscanthus (Chinese Silver Grass) thrives in full sun on chalky soils (pH 5.5-7.5), free-draining. Reaches 1.5 to 2.5m tall, 1 to 1.5m spread. Excellent chalk tolerance. Hardy to around -20°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: Late February or early March, before new growth starts

How: Cut all old stems and leaves back to 15cm above ground. Wear gloves as the leaf edges are sharp

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: Japan, China and Korea

Native or exotic: Exotic

History: Introduced to European gardens in the 1930s. Many of the best cultivars were bred in Germany by Karl Foerster

Folklore: In Japan, miscanthus thatch has been used on roofs for centuries and is said to ward off evil spirits

Fun fact: Miscanthus is being grown commercially in the UK as a bioenergy crop because it produces huge amounts of dry matter per hectare

Historical medicinal uses: None. The leaf edges can cut skin

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Wind pollinated. The seed heads feed finches in winter [4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 1 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 8 out of 10 High. Dense winter stems shelter insects and overwintering spiders[4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 8 out of 10 Plumes appear August to September, then fade to silver and stand all winter[4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Pairs well with late perennials such as echinacea, helenium and aster

Pest control: Generally pest free

Common diseases and issues: Rarely troubled. Occasionally rust or mealybug on congested clumps. See RHS Miscanthus page

Invasive note: Self-seeding can occur on lighter soils. The sterile cultivar 'Morning Light' is safest

CGM care note

We cut miscanthus back hard in late February before the new shoots start. Leaving the winter plumes standing protects the crown from hard frost and looks superb in low winter sun.

CGM guides mentioning Miscanthus (Chinese Silver Grass)

These articles from our Gardening Knowledge library mention Miscanthus (Chinese Silver Grass) and may be useful if you are researching or growing this plant.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Miscanthus (Chinese Silver Grass)

How Miscanthus (Chinese Silver Grass) fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Agapanthus (African Lily), extends the flowering season, peaks July to September when early perennials have finished
  • Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan), extends the flowering season, peaks July to September when early perennials have finished
  • Echinacea (Coneflower), extends the flowering season, peaks July to September when early perennials have finished
  • Verbena bonariensis, extends the flowering season, peaks July to September when early perennials have finished
  • Crocosmia (Montbretia), extends the flowering season, peaks July to September when early perennials have finished
  • Japanese Anemone, extends the flowering season, peaks July to September when early perennials have finished

Avoid planting beside

Similar alternatives

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Miscanthus (Chinese Silver Grass).

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Miscanthus (Chinese Silver Grass) are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Miscanthus (Chinese Silver Grass) (Miscanthus sinensis). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Miscanthus (Chinese Silver Grass). The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Miscanthus sinensis. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Poaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Kellogg EA (2015). Flowering Plants. Monocots: Poaceae. In: The Families and Genera of Vascular Plants. Springer.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Poaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: origin, taxonomy, soil_type, water, feeding.

  4. 4
    Rollings R, Goulson D (2019). Quantifying the attractiveness of garden flowers to pollinators. Journal of Applied Entomology, 143(1-2), 68-78.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 1/10 for Miscanthus (Chinese Silver Grass). The pollinator description above ("Wind pollinated. The seed heads feed finches in winter") is consistent with this study's finding that low-ranked plants attract few pollinators relative to high-performing species. The Biodiversity value assessment ("High. Dense winter stems shelter insects and overwintering spiders") reflects the plant's primarily ornamental role rather than ecological significance for pollinator support. Seasonal highlight: "Plumes appear August to September, then fade to silver and stand all winter".

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 1/10 and the Pollinators description ("Wind pollinated. The seed heads feed finches in winter"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Miscanthus (Chinese Silver Grass)'s ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("High. Dense winter stems shelter insects and overwintering spiders") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Miscanthus (Chinese Silver Grass). The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Miscanthus (Chinese Silver Grass)'s rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Poaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Miscanthus (Chinese Silver Grass). The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Miscanthus (Chinese Silver Grass). This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Miscanthus (Chinese Silver Grass). The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Miscanthus (Chinese Silver Grass). The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Miscanthus (Chinese Silver Grass). The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Miscanthus (Chinese Silver Grass). This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Miscanthus (Chinese Silver Grass). Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Miscanthus (Chinese Silver Grass) performs well locally

Towns where Miscanthus (Chinese Silver Grass) is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

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