Nursery grown

Chinese Silver Grass

Name: Chinese Silver Grass
Brand: Chinese Silver Grass

Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus'

Nursery-Grown Chinese Silver Grass, Ready to Plant

$33.97 1 Gallon

Size

Quantity1

This size is not in the online store yet. Ask about availability and we will reply with current stock.

Fast-growing: reaches mature size in 2 to 3 seasons
Coppery-pink to silvery-white plumes bloom August through October
Drought-tolerant once established; deer-resistant

Secure checkoutShips in its nursery containerGrowing guides included

About this plant

Chinese Silver Grass is a warm-season clump-forming ornamental grass for zones 5 to 9. It reaches 4 to 6 feet tall, with silvery-pink flower plumes extending to 6 or 7 feet and blooming late summer through fall. Use it as a specimen accent, privacy screen, or for erosion control. Foliage turns tan and gold in autumn, persisting into winter. The species is listed as invasive in parts of the eastern and midwestern US, and this fertile cultivar can self-seed, so check your state's invasive plant list before planting.

You'll receive a nursery-grown plant in either a 1-gallon or 3-gallon container, ready to plant. If soil is dry, water lightly before planting. Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil. Plant at the same depth it was growing in the container, water thoroughly, and water regularly during the first growing season until established.

Chinese Silver Grass in your yard

Few grasses match its 4 to 6 foot height, so place it where it helps most.

Single accent

Plant one clump in full sun as a fountain-shaped accent, 4 to 6 feet tall.

Privacy screen

Plant a row 30 to 48 inches apart for an informal screen.

Border backdrop

Behind black-eyed Susan, coneflower, sedum and aster, it gives the bed a tall backdrop.

Sunny slope

Its drought tolerance after the first one or two seasons suits a dry slope.

Not ideal for: It does poorly in shade, and a pot is a short-term home.

Good to know: Invasive in parts of the US, so check your state list and keep it from natural areas.

Chinese Silver Grass at a glance

Botanical name	Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus'
Plant type	ornamental grass (warm-season, clump-forming perennial grass)
USDA zones	5-9
Mature height	4-6 ft in foliage; 6-7 ft including flower plumes
Mature width	3-4 ft clump spread
Sun	full sun (6+ hours); tolerates very light shade but flowering and form decline
Water	moderate; regular water while establishing, then drought tolerant
Bloom time	late summer into fall, typically August-October
Bloom color	coppery-pink to silvery-white plumes, fading to buff/tan and persisting into winter
Growth rate	fast once established; reaches near-full clump size in 2-3 growing seasons, roughly 1-2 ft of spread gained per year until mature
Deer resistance	high
Best planting time	spring, after last frost, so roots establish before the first winter

Container sizes explained

#1 / 1 Gallon	A trade one gallon pot (about 6.5 inches). One to two seasons older than a quart, with an established root system.
#2 / 2 Gallon	A trade two gallon pot. Common for peonies and perennials that need root room; usually blooms the first or second year.
#3 / 3 Gallon	A trade three gallon pot (about 10 inches). A well-developed shrub or small tree, often 2 to 4 feet tall on arrival.

Questions before you buy

Should I choose the 1-gallon or 3-gallon size?

The 1-gallon is ideal for budget-conscious buyers and new gardeners; it takes 2 to 3 seasons to reach full size. The 3-gallon starts larger, and both will mature to the same size in time.

When should I plant after it arrives?

Plant as soon as possible after arrival while weather is mild (spring, after the last frost). The plant can wait a few days if necessary; just keep the soil moist. Avoid planting during extreme heat or cold.

How big will this grass get?

The foliage clump reaches 4 to 6 feet tall and spreads 3 to 4 feet wide. Flower plumes extend another 1 to 2 feet higher, reaching 6 to 7 feet. Growth is fast once established; expect near-full size in 2 to 3 years.

How much sun does it need?

Chinese Silver Grass needs full sun (6 or more hours daily) to thrive and flower reliably. It tolerates very light shade but will be less dense and flower less abundantly. Plant in the sunniest spot available.

Will it grow in my zone?

Chinese Silver Grass is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9.

What's the best care for the first year?

Water regularly until the plant is established, typically after 1 to 2 seasons. Once established, water only during drought. A single application of balanced fertilizer in spring is usually enough. Leave foliage standing through winter; cut back to 4 inches in early spring.