Miscanthus 'Little Miss'

Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Miss': Compact Colour with a Fiery Finish

Full of personality in a small package, Miscanthus 'Little Miss' is a compact ornamental grass that delivers a dynamic mix of texture, form, and vibrant seasonal colour. Its fine green blades emerge upright in spring, gradually developing bold tones of red, burgundy, and purple as the weather cools—culminating in a spectacular autumn display. Reaching just under a metre in height, it’s perfect for smaller spaces or front-of-border plantings where taller grasses would overwhelm. This tidy, clump-forming grass offers the structure of a giant with the footprint of a well-mannered accent.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–90 cm (in flower)
• Spread: 45–60 cm
• Flower Colour: Reddish-pink maturing to silver (occasional in cooler climates)
• Flowering Period: Late summer to fall
• Foliage: Narrow green blades flushing red, burgundy, and purple in fall
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil; drought tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: 'Little Miss' is ideal for edging sunny borders, adding drama to containers, or anchoring low perennial groupings with its upright form and brilliant colour. Its petite size and rich tones make it a valuable design element in mixed plantings. Tough and tidy, it thrives with minimal care and brings interest from spring through late fall.

Companion Plants: Pair Miscanthus 'Little Miss' with Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit' for a kaleidoscope of warm-toned coneflowers. Add Achillea 'Little Moonshine' for long-blooming yellow clusters that echo the grass’s late-season heat. Weave in Salvia nemorosa 'May Night' to ground the palette with rich purple spires and early-season pollinator interest.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first season to establish roots; once established, it’s drought tolerant. Cut back old foliage in early spring before new growth emerges. Divide every 3–4 years to maintain its shape and vigour.

History: A recent selection of Miscanthus sinensis, 'Little Miss' was bred for compact form and bold, multi-season foliage colour. It’s quickly become a favourite for small-space gardens and contemporary plantings where colour and control go hand in hand.

Final Thoughts: Bright, bold, and beautifully behaved, Miscanthus 'Little Miss' proves that you don’t need size to make a statement—just great colour and graceful form.