Miscanthus sinensis 'Purpurascens' - 'Purpurascens' Chinese Silver Grass (Flame Grass)

'Purpurascens' Miscanthus, a Chinese Silver Grass also nicknamed "Flame Grass," is an ornamental grass that offers an absolutely flamboyant fall show. The unique charm of this grass lies in its early and spectacular transformation: starting in late summer, its foliage metamorphoses into a torch of bright colours ranging from orange to reddish-purple. It is the perfect solution for injecting a dose of warm colour and lasting structure into the late-season border.

Characteristics

• Foliage: It develops a dense clump of wide, deciduous leaves, a rich green with a silvery midrib during the summer. Starting in late August, the foliage begins its transformation to spectacular shades of orange, red, and purple.
• Flowering: In late summer, feathery and silky flower plumes emerge above the foliage. A silvery-white colour with pinkish hues, these plumes beautifully catch the light of the setting sun.
• Winter Interest: The dried foliage and plumes persist through the winter, offering a graphic silhouette that adds structure, sound, and movement to the snowy garden.
• Light: It demands full sun to develop its most intense fall colours and a sturdy habit.
• Habit: It forms a clump with an upright yet graceful habit, with foliage that arches slightly like a fountain (vase-shaped).
• Growth: With a medium growth rate, it reaches a height of 90 to 150 cm (3-5 feet) with a spread of 60 to 90 cm (2-3 feet).
• Soil: It is a very adaptable plant that tolerates a wide variety of soils, from clay to sand, but prefers soil that remains moist and well-drained.
• Hardiness: Very hardy, it faces Zone 4 winters without any problem.
• Resistance: This robust grass resists deer well.

Uses

• Types of Use: Its spectacular fall colour makes it an excellent choice as a standalone specimen. It is also magnificent in mass plantings for a fiery prairie effect or at the back of a border to add height.
• Ornamental Features: It offers four-season visual interest. The summer foliage is followed by the explosion of colour in the fall, then by a persistent and attractive winter structure.

Care

• Watering: Water regularly during the first season to establish it. Afterwards, it tolerates short periods of drought well.
• Fertilizing: No fertilization is necessary. An excess of fertilizer can even cause the plant to flop.
• Pruning: Maintenance is very simple. Cut the dry foliage to the ground in late winter or very early spring, just before new shoots start.
• Planting: Plant it in the spring or fall in a sunny location.
• Winter Protection: No protection is required for this very hardy grass.