Miscanthus Strictus

Description

Miscanthus ‘Strictus’ – porcupine grass

Botanical name: Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’
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. 1.5–1.8m tall × 0.9m spread
Foliage: Upright green leaves banded horizontally with gold, giving a distinctive striped effect; deciduous
Flowers: Reddish plumes fading to silver in warm autumns (September–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 ‘Strictus’, porcupine grass, is a striking upright silver grass whose leaves are banded horizontally with gold. Bold and architectural, it makes an eye-catching feature in 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. The unusual horizontal gold banding across the leaves, and its stiff, upright habit, make it a real talking point and a strong vertical accent. 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

The novelty of ‘Strictus’ is the horizontal gold banding across its upright leaves — quite unlike the usual lengthwise stripes — which makes it a real conversation piece. The banding shows best in full sun; in shade it fades and the plant flops, so give it an open, sunny spot and it will stand stiffly to attention.

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