Miscanthus sinensis 'Adagio'
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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 sinensis 'Adagio': Maiden Grass Elegance, Patio-Sized
'Adagio' is named after a slow piece of music, and it takes its time in the best way. A dense, rounded clump of fine silvery blades with pink plumes that fade to silver. SMOOTH JAZZ FOR YOUR GARDEN.
Plant Characteristics:
- Botanical Name: Miscanthus sinensis 'Adagio'
- Common Name: Dwarf Maiden Grass
- Height: 120โ150 cm (4โ5 ft) in bloom; foliage about 90โ120 cm (3โ4 ft)
- Spread: 90 cm (3 ft)
- Flowers: Fan-shaped plumes, pinkish to rose when they open, aging to silvery white and lasting into winter
- Bloom Time: Late summer to fall (August to October)
- Foliage: Very narrow, fine-textured, silvery-green blades in a dense, rounded clump. Takes on gold to burgundy tones in fall.
- Features: Compact, winter interest
Where to Plant: Use it as a specimen, in groups along a walkway or foundation, in mixed borders or in a large container. Its compact size brings the classic maiden grass look to smaller spaces, and the dried plumes stand through winter.
Companion Plants: Stachys 'Hummelo' brings upright purple spikes at 45 to 60 cm from June to August, a lovely contrast to the grass's fine texture. Sanguisorba 'Pink Tanna' adds pink bottlebrush flowers at 60 to 90 cm from June to September. Edge the planting with Veronica Magic Showยฎ 'White Wands', which flowers white in June and July and often again into September. All three grow in full sun or part sun.
Plant Care: Plant it in full sun for the best shape and the most plumes. Average, well-drained soil is fine, and it handles clay that doesn't stay soggy. Water through the first summer; established plants manage short dry spells. In part shade it may grow looser and bloom less. Leave the foliage and plumes standing all winter, then cut the whole clump back to about 10โ15 cm (4โ6 in) in early spring before new growth starts. Divide in spring when the centre begins to die out, usually every few years. In some regions maiden grass can self-seed, so remove plumes before seed drops if seedlings appear.
History: 'Adagio' was introduced by Kurt Bluemel, the Maryland nurseryman who did more than almost anyone to bring ornamental grasses into North American gardens. The species, Miscanthus sinensis, is native to China, Japan and Korea.
Final Thoughts: All the drama of a big maiden grass in a size that fits a normal yard, and deer pass it by. PRESS PLAY.
