Miscanthus 'Cosmopolitan' is a bold ornamental grass known for its striking variegated foliage with wide creamy white margins and green centers. This tall arching cultivar forms an elegant fountain like clump that brings movement and structure to the garden, especially when its copper tinged plumes emerge.
Height & Spread: 72 - 96 in x 48 - 60 in
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained soil; tolerates clay and average soils
Watering Needs: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Generally resistant to deer
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from Miscanthus sinensis, a species native to East Asia. Widely used in ornamental landscapes.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- Provides late season shelter and cover for small birds such as sparrows and finches, especially during winter if left standing.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 48 - 60 in apart to allow for full mature spread and air circulation.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal as a focal point in borders, backdrops, and foundation plantings. Also effective for screening or adding dramatic vertical interest in meadows and mixed perennial beds.
Companion Plants
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - Offers upright blooms that complement the arching form of Miscanthus.
- Rudbeckia maxima (Giant Coneflower) - Provides architectural drama and bold foliage that matches the scale of tall grasses.
- Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) - Adds airy lavender spikes and silvery foliage that contrasts with variegated blades.
- Amsonia hubrichtii (Arkansas Blue Star) - Adds fine, golden fall foliage that echoes the movement of grass plumes.
- Verbena bonariensis - Brings height and motion with small purple flowers that hover above the Miscanthus clumps.