Miscanthus sinensis 'Graziella' is a graceful ornamental grass prized for its fine texture and elegant arching form. In late summer it produces silky silvery pink plumes that rise above narrow green foliage aging to a tawny bronze. This cultivar offers strong vertical structure and gentle movement while its foliage turns vibrant shades of orange and red in autumn extending seasonal appeal.
Height & Spread: 48 - 60 in x 24 - 36 in
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained soils of average fertility
Watering Needs: Low once established; moderately drought tolerant
Deer Resistance: Rarely browsed due to coarse, fibrous foliage
Native Status
Miscanthus sinensis 'Graziella' is a cultivar of a grass species native to East Asia. It is not native to North America but is widely cultivated for ornamental purposes and performs reliably across a range of temperate climates.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- Seed heads provide fall and winter interest and are occasionally visited by finches and other seed eating songbirds. The dense foliage also offers cover for nesting or overwintering.
Beneficial Insects
- The thick clumps and warm leaf litter beneath Miscanthus provide overwintering habitat for ground beetles and predatory insects that support garden health.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Allow 36 - 48 in spacing to accommodate mature width and prevent crowding adjacent plants.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal as a specimen or massed backdrop in prairie gardens, naturalized beds, or at the edge of woodlands. Use for movement, height, and fall color contrast in perennial compositions.
Companion Plants
- Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) - Soft silver blue foliage and spiky flower stems harmonize with the upright plumes of Miscanthus.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' - Wispy bright yellow flowers lighten the base and echo Miscanthus’ fine foliage.
- Echinacea purpurea 'White Swan' - Clean white blooms and sturdy stems stand out against grassy textures and extend summer interest.
- Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' - Burgundy tinged switchgrass forms a color echo with the warm fall tones of Miscanthus.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Deep violet floral spikes contrast with Miscanthus' airy plumes and attract late season pollinators.