Maiden Grass
Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus'
An elegant ornamental grass that creates stunning focal points with its graceful, fountain-like form and silvery plumes that catch the light beautifully. This refined cultivar features narrow, arching leaves with a distinctive white midrib that adds year-round interest to the landscape. Maiden grass provides four-season beauty, from fresh spring growth to gorgeous fall color and winter structure.
Sun
Full sun
Zones
5–9
USDA hardiness
Height
4-12 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Maiden Grass in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 grass →Zone Map
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Maiden Grass · Zones 5–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: #arching#showy flowers#invasive#full sun tolerant#salt tolerant#apvg#fall interest#high maintenance#fire high flammability#aggressive#deer resistant#wind dispersed seeds#self-seeding#disturbed areas#pollinator plant#fantz#dried arrangements#bird friendly#apvg-p#roadside#wildlife friendly#cpp#weedy#poor soil tolerant#HS111#HS303. Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry, Occasionally Wet, Very Dry. Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 6-feet-12 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: 'Adagio', Bandwidth 'NCMS2B', 'Goldfeder', 'Goliath', 'Gracillimus', 'Graziella', 'Hinjo', 'Little Zebra', 'Malepartus', 'Morning Light', My Fair Maiden™ 'NCMS1', 'Rotsilber', 'Sarbonde', 'Scout', 'Silberfeder', 'Strictus', var. condensatus 'Cabaret', var. condensatus 'Cosmopolitan', 'Variegatus', 'Yaku Jima', 'Zebrinus'. Propagation: Division.
Harvesting
Color: Cream/Tan. Type: Aggregate, Caryopsis.
Harvest time: Fall, Summer
Bloom time: Fall, Spring, Summer
History & Origin
Origin: Asia
Advantages
- +Attracts: Some cultivars have shown good resistance to phytophthora.
- +Wildlife value: Birds are attracted to the seeds
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Purple Coneflower
Complementary heights and textures, both drought tolerant with similar growing requirements
Black-Eyed Susan
Provides color contrast while sharing similar sun and soil requirements
Sedum
Creates layered planting with contrasting form, both prefer well-draining soil
Russian Sage
Similar drought tolerance and provides aromatic foliage that deters pests
Ornamental Alliums
Natural pest deterrent properties while creating striking vertical contrast
Lavender
Repels insects naturally and thrives in similar well-draining, sunny conditions
Catmint
Deters rodents and insects while providing complementary blue flowers
Autumn Joy Sedum
Extends seasonal interest and requires minimal water like maiden grass
Keep Apart
Tree Roots
Large tree roots compete aggressively for water and nutrients, stunting grass growth
Dense Groundcovers
Can smother base of grass and prevent proper air circulation
Water-Loving Plants
Conflicting water needs can lead to overwatering maiden grass causing root rot
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease resistant
Common Pests
Aphids, scale insects (minor issues)
Diseases
Rust, leaf spot (in humid conditions)