Miscanthus Malepartus

Description

Miscanthus ‘Malepartus’ – Chinese silver grass

Botanical name: Miscanthus sinensis ‘Malepartus’
Common names: Chinese silver grass, eulalia
Family: Poaceae (grass family)
Plant type: Deciduous perennial grass
Habit: Clump-forming, upright to arching
Pot size: 1 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 1.8–2m tall × 0.9m spread
Foliage: Broad, arching green leaves turning rich orange and russet in autumn; deciduous
Flowers: Large, plumy reddish-maroon flowerheads from late summer, fading to silver (August–October)
Scent: Not scented
Aspect / light: Full sun
Soil: Most fertile, moist but well-drained soils; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H6 (hardy, to about −20°C); USDA zones 5–9
Exposure: Open, sunny; tolerant
Native range: Species (Miscanthus sinensis) native to eastern Asia
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Miscanthus ‘Malepartus’ is a bold, tall silver grass with large plumy reddish flowerheads fading to silver and superb orange-russet autumn colour. A magnificent specimen grass for larger sunny borders.

GardenAdvice notes

A clump-forming deciduous grass, Miscanthus is one of the finest of all ornamental grasses, valued for its elegant arching foliage, its feathery late-season flower plumes, and the way it catches light and movement in the garden. Its size, big richly coloured plumes and outstanding autumn foliage colour make it one of the most dramatic and reliable of the larger silver grasses. It is not invasive, forming a well-behaved clump, and its faded stems and plumes stand handsomely through winter.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or early summer in most fertile, moist but well-drained soils in full sun, which gives the best growth and flowering. It tolerates a range of soils but flowers and stands up best in an open, sunny position. Space according to its size, generally about 60–90cm apart. It establishes into an increasingly impressive clump over a few years.

Care & maintenance

Very low-maintenance. Leave the faded foliage and plumes standing through winter for structure and wildlife, then cut the whole plant down to the ground in late winter or early spring, before the new growth appears. Water while establishing; thereafter it is fairly drought-tolerant. Lift and divide congested clumps in spring if needed.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide established clumps in mid to late spring, as growth begins — the only reliable method for named forms.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free and robust, with few pests or diseases. An easy, reliable grass in the right sunny, open position.

Uses in the garden

Superb as a specimen or focal point, in mixed and prairie-style borders, in bold grass plantings, as a summer screen, and for cutting; the plumes are excellent fresh or dried.

Wildlife value

The winter stems and seedheads provide valuable shelter and structure for wildlife, and the dense clumps offer cover for insects and small creatures through the colder months.

Toxicity & safety

Miscanthus is generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

‘Malepartus’ is a real statement grass — tall, with big red-purple plumes and some of the best autumn colour of any miscanthus — so give it room to be a focal point at the back or centre of a sunny border. Leave the whole thing standing through winter for structure and frost, then cut it to the ground in late winter.

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