Miscanthus nepalensis

Miscanthus nepalensis is a grass native to Nepal that stands out with its delicate flowering and modest stature, making it ideal for small gardens and container gardening. It has flexible foliage that gives it a graceful fountain-like habit. In summer, it is adorned with elegant, curved inflorescences that start off golden and glistening, before turning almost white at maturity while acquiring a beautiful woolly appearance. The plant remains decorative throughout winter. The remnants of its vegetation topped with woolly inflorescences bring a real charm to the garden, especially under frost. Romantic, sculptural, and wild, this lovely grass works in any style of garden. Just place it in the sun in light and well-drained soil that retains some moisture in summer.

Miscanthus nepalensis is a perennial plant of the Poaceae family. It is of Himalayan origin. It is hardy to -8 to -10°C (17.6 to 14°F), and appreciates well-drained soils that are not too dry in summer. This grass forms a beautiful clump of dense and flexible leafy stems, reaching 1.2m (4ft) in height when flowering, 70cm (28in) for the foliage, and occupying about 60cm (24in) of space on the ground. Its growth rate is quite fast, but it takes two or three years for the plant to reach its full potential. The foliage is quite broad, and remains green for most of the year (until January). It is composed of ribbon-like, flexible leaves, of a medium green colour. Flowering begins in July-August, emerging well above the foliage, at the tips of numerous slender but stiff culms. It takes the form of cascading, golden, pearly and glistening inflorescences, swaying in the wind. They bear feathery, almost white fruits, forming a wool-like appearance. These inflorescences persist for many months. This plant undoubtedly offers one of the most beautiful flowers in the miscanthus genus. It is not invasive.
 

Less known than its tall cousin, Miscanthus sinensis, M. nepalensis deserves to be planted more often in our gardens, including small ones. It is also absolutely stunning on a patio. It can be used in a natural-inspired flower bed, for example with dark cosmos, centaureas, or ornamental garlic. It can also be combined with taller varieties such as Miscanthus 'Goliath', at the edge of the garden. Take advantage of its fountain-like habit by placing it on a slightly elevated area, such as a large bank or a hill, paired with autumn bloomers like asters (Aster laevis 'Calliope', A. turbinellus, A. cordifolius) or sunflowers (Helianthus maximiliani, H. salicifolius, H. atrorubens). It pairs well with perovskias and fox tail amaranths, autumn daisies, and Japanese anemones.