Miscanthus 'Goliath'

Miscanthus × giganteus 'Goliath': Towering Grace with a Golden Finale

Commanding in size yet remarkably refined, Miscanthus 'Goliath' brings bold stature and elegant movement to large garden spaces. Its tall, arching blades are broader than most miscanthus varieties, creating dense, architectural clumps that rustle gently in the wind. By late summer, large silvery plumes emerge high above the foliage, adding soft texture and light-catching brilliance. As fall progresses, the green leaves transition to golden-bronze, extending its interest well into winter. For gardeners who love drama with grace, 'Goliath' lives up to its name.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 240–270 cm (in flower)
• Spread: 120–150 cm
• Flower Colour: Silvery-white
• Flowering Period: Late summer to early fall
• Foliage: Broad, arching green leaves; golden-bronze tones in fall
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained to average soils; drought tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: Ideal as a living screen, backdrop, or structural anchor in large borders and prairie-style plantings, 'Goliath' offers vertical drama with a soft, flowing silhouette. Its presence supports wildlife habitat, offers winter interest, and brings late-season grandeur to the garden. Despite its height, it remains well-behaved and non-invasive, making it suitable for naturalistic and designed landscapes alike.

Companion Plants: Pair Miscanthus 'Goliath' with Helianthus 'Lemon Queen' for bright, towering yellow blooms that echo the grass’s golden fall tones. Introduce Aster novae-angliae 'Purple Dome' for a rich purple contrast at mid-height. Add Eupatorium maculatum 'Gateway' for its bold, dusky-pink umbels and matching vertical presence.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Water deeply during the first growing season to encourage strong roots. Once established, it is drought tolerant and requires minimal upkeep. Cut back to the ground in early spring before new growth appears. Divide every 4–5 years to maintain vigour and manage size.

History: A robust cultivar of the Miscanthus × giganteus group, 'Goliath' was selected for its extra height, strong form, and broad foliage. Like its relatives, it is sterile and non-invasive, offering dramatic scale without the risk of spreading.

Final Thoughts: Bold but balanced, Miscanthus 'Goliath' transforms open spaces into living sculpture—its size, texture, and seasonal brilliance a true testament to ornamental grass at its finest.