Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus' Ornamental Grass at Lovegrass Farm in P.E.I.

Miscanthus 'Gracillimus' in Nantucket in early September

Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus' (Mis-KAN-thus sin-En-is Gra-SILL-mus) (Maiden grass) is one of the oldest cultivars of Miscanthus and is hardy to Zone 5.  It has very fine textured foliage and a graceful rounded overall shape to 7 ft. tall (more like 6 ft. for us).  You might have noticed Gracillimus in front of UPEI on University Ave. if you live on or visit P.E.I.  They have large groupings in several beds; keep meaning to get some photos, maybe this year!  It is among the last of the Miscanthus to bloom, we only ever see the beginning stages of flowers in our climate.



'Gracillimus' in our Sale row with one 'Sarabande' to show the difference
Yeah, that's why that plant is there (sounds good to me)

 Gracillimus requires full sun or bright shade and fertile soil.  It needs water if in hot dry conditions to reach optimum size but the narrow leaves make it fairly drought tolerant.  They look lovely as a specimen, in a hedge, massed in a group, mixed in a border and make a tall screen.  Be sure to give them room to show their shape.  They turn golden bronze after a hard frost & the dried grass curls under in an attractive way. 






Miscanthus 'Gracillimus' & 'Variegatus' in mid August at Kenneckbuckport Beach, Maine
Great Seaside Plants if in fertile ground