Miscanthus 'Morning Light'
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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 'Morning Light': Silver Blades Built for Backlighting
'Morning Light' doesn't even need to bloom to look good, which is lucky, because in a cool summer it might not bother. Narrow blades edged in cream give the whole clump a silvery shimmer. FLOWERS ARE A BONUS, NOT A REQUIREMENT.
Plant Characteristics:
- Botanical Name: Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light'
- Common Name: Maiden Grass
- Height: 120โ150 cm (4โ5 ft)
- Spread: 90โ120 cm (3โ4 ft)
- Flowers: Coppery-red plumes that mature to silver; they bloom late and may not appear in cool summers
- Bloom Time: Late summer to fall (August to October)
- Foliage: Very narrow green blades with creamy white margins, giving a silvery look; dries to light tan in winter
- Features: Rabbit resistant, suited to containers
Where to Plant: Plant it where low sun can shine through it: on the east or west side of the garden, near a patio or at the end of a path. It works as a specimen, in a row, in groups or in a container, and its pale colour brightens darker plantings.
Companion Plants: Leucanthemum 'Becky' brings crisp white daisies at 90 to 100 cm from June to August, echoing the silvery edges of the leaves. Monarda Sugar Buzzยฎ 'Rockin' Raspberry' adds purple flowers at 40 to 60 cm in July and August. Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' finishes the front with fine, threadlike foliage and yellow flowers from June to August. All three are happy in full sun or part sun.
Plant Care: Plant it in full sun to part sun in average, well-drained soil. It tolerates clay and sandy soil. Water regularly through the first season, then only during long dry spells. Avoid rich soil and heavy feeding, which can make the clump floppy. Leave it standing for winter. Cut it back to about 10โ15 cm (4โ6 in) in early spring. Divide in spring every few years if the clump gets crowded.
History: 'Morning Light' is a Japanese selection that the U.S. National Arboretum introduced to North America in 1976. It went on to receive the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Final Thoughts: Plant it where low sun can backlight it and watch it glow. Deer and rabbits aren't fans. MORNING PERSON, ALL DAY.
