Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’

Description

Miscanthus sinensis Strictus is a compact, clump-forming deciduous grass that grows about 5 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 20 inches wide. Its erect linear green leaves carry distinctive horizontal yellow bands. Reddish-bronze flowers open in loose terminal panicles from late August through October, then develop into crinkled silver plumes that remain ornamental into winter.

Grow it in full sun in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained or well-drained chalk, clay, loam, or sand. It accepts acidic, neutral, or alkaline conditions and exposed or sheltered sites. Protect the crown from excessive winter wet. The narrow upright habit suits architectural planting, borders, courtyards, coastal gardens, and cut or dried arrangements, while the persistent plumes attract birds.

Space plants about 20 inches apart. Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring, and divide established clumps in spring. Colletotrichum leaf spot, root rot, miscanthus blight, and leaf rust may occur. This cultivar produced seed in a five-year scientific trial, and university guidance lists Strictus among invasive maiden-grass cultivars. Check local regulations and invasive-plant guidance before planting, and prevent unwanted seedlings.