Miscanthus 'Strictus'

Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus': Bold Stripes and Upright Style

With its dramatic horizontal banding and strong vertical form, Miscanthus 'Strictus'—often called Porcupine Grass—makes a striking statement in the landscape. Its stiff, upright blades are bright green marked with bold yellow bars, forming a tall, architectural clump that adds height and texture without flopping. In late summer to early fall, reddish plumes emerge above the foliage, gradually fading to a soft silver and persisting into winter. This visually arresting grass adds structure, rhythm, and a touch of the unexpected to sunny borders and large-scale plantings.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 180–210 cm (in flower)
• Spread: 90–120 cm
• Flower Colour: Reddish-pink maturing to silver
• Flowering Period: Late summer to fall
• Foliage: Stiff, upright green blades with bold yellow horizontal bands; golden in fall
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil; drought tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: 'Strictus' is perfect for adding drama and vertical impact to borders, screens, or modern prairie-style plantings. Its striking variegation provides season-long interest, while its tall plumes bring movement and softness late in the year. Exceptionally deer resistant and drought tolerant once established, this is a no-nonsense grass that offers bold beauty with minimal maintenance.

Companion Plants: Surround Miscanthus 'Strictus' with Aster novae-angliae 'Purple Dome' for a rich, mounded contrast of violet bloom. Add Echinacea 'Prairie Splendour' for warm magenta-pink flowers that echo the grass’s late-season tones. Complete the palette with Coreopsis grandiflora 'Sunkiss', whose vivid yellow flowers reflect the grass’s banded foliage and brighten the entire planting.

Care Instructions: Grow in full sun in well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first year; once established, it is highly drought tolerant. Leave foliage and plumes intact over winter for structure and wildlife value. Cut back to the ground in early spring before new growth emerges. Divide clumps every 3–5 years to rejuvenate and control spread.

History: A classic variegated form of Miscanthus sinensis, 'Strictus' originated in Japan and has become a favourite for its bold foliage and rigid habit. It’s often compared to 'Zebrinus', but with a more upright, formal appearance.

Final Thoughts: With its striking stripes and strong stature, Miscanthus 'Strictus' brings bold structure and seasonal drama—offering a playful yet polished accent in sunny garden spaces.