Miscanthus 'Silberfeder'
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HEADS UP. THIS ONE CAN SELF-SEED.
Maiden grass is on Ontario's invasive plant list because its seed can blow into natural areas. In the garden it stays a tidy clump. If you live near woodland, meadow or water, cut the plumes off in fall before they drop seed.
Miscanthus 'Silberfeder': Silver Feathers Over the Snowbanks
'Silberfeder' holds its feathery plumes way up high, like somebody waving a silver feather boa at the back of a concert. Pinkish at first, then pure silvery white. FABULOUS FROM THE NOSEBLEEDS.
Plant Characteristics:
- Botanical Name: Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberfeder'
- Common Name: Maiden Grass
- Height: 180â225 cm (6â7.5 ft) in flower
- Spread: 120â150 cm (4â5 ft)
- Flowers: Feathery plumes held high above the leaves, opening pinkish-silver and maturing to silvery white
- Bloom Time: Late summer to fall (August to October), with plumes lasting into winter
- Foliage: Medium green, arching blades with a thin white midrib, turning yellow in fall
- Features: Strong winter interest
Where to Plant: Give it space at the back of a large border, as a seasonal screen, or as a specimen in an open area where its plumes can catch the light. It also earns a spot in cut-flower beds, since the plumes are great for cutting and drying.
Companion Plants: Use tall 'Silberfeder' at the back of a sunny or part-shade bed with scarlet geum, blue clematis and crimson peonies. Hemerocallis Happy Ever Appsterâą 'Apricot Sparkles' edges the front with apricot daylilies at 30 to 40 cm. Geum 'Blazing Sunset' adds double scarlet flowers at 55 to 60 cm from May to July. Paeonia 'Felix Crousse' brings double crimson peonies at 70 to 85 cm in June. Clematis 'Stand by Me' adds nodding blue bells at 86 to 97 cm from June to August.
Plant Care: Plant it in full sun in average, well-drained soil. Part sun is fine, but expect fewer plumes and a looser clump. Water regularly through the first season, then during long dry spells only. Leave the foliage and plumes up through winter. Cut the clump down to about 10â15 cm (4â6 in) in early spring, before new growth appears. Divide in spring every few years if the centre dies out.
History: Miscanthus sinensis is native to eastern Asia, and 'Silberfeder' is a garden selection whose German name means "silver feather." It's a popular choice in colder regions because it's hardier than many maiden grasses.
Final Thoughts: Leave it standing all winter and it glitters in the snow. Deer won't touch it. KEEP THE BOA ON.