Miscanthus sinensis August Feder - Silvergrass

Miscanthus sinensis 'August Feder' is a variety of maiden grass or Chinese silver grass with an early flowering of large white-silver feathery spikes, and a beautiful stature. This ornamental grass blooms from August, even in cool climates, and its inflorescences that rise to human height remain decorative for a long time, adopting light pale brown-pinkish tones throughout autumn. Its significant development makes it perfect as a windbreak or privacy screen, even if the wind sometimes knocks it down. This beautiful perennial adapts to any ordinary, well-drained, and deep soil, and can even tolerate moderate drought. 

'August Feder' belongs to the Poaceae family. It is a horticultural selection derived from Miscanthus sinensis, native to East Asia and Oceania. This grass with short rhizomes develops into a non-spreading and non-invasive clump. It is described as tufted. With an upright and trailing habit, the plant reaches 1.8m (6ft) in height when flowering, with a minimum spread of 80cm (32in). The leaves are wide and ribbon-like, very long and flexible, with a distinctly dark green colour marked by a light and silvery stripe along the main vein. The flowering is particularly early and generous, and can be noticed from afar. Long flower stems emerge from the foliage from August to October, in the form of very fine and finger-like erect silky spikes, 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10in) long, tinged with white. As they fade, they take on a more silvery hue, nuanced with very pale beige-pink to blonde. The plumes remain on the dry plant for a good part of winter, retaining an appreciable decorative aspect during the "dull" season. The deciduous foliage dries out in winter.

Designed for large plantings, these tall grasses bring a beautiful structure and grace to a planting scheme. However, they need enough space to express themselves. Plant them among asters or behind perpetual roses, and let them grow and expand. In a wild and tousled or modern and minimalist atmosphere, watch them play with the wind and the low autumn light, and bend under rain showers. Miscanthus are well suited for hedge planting, constituting a screen along a path, to isolate a part of the garden, as a privacy screen or windbreak. These grasses provide volume and create a natural transition between spaces. In the city, Miscanthus 'August Feder' blends well with its discreet colours. It is magnificent planted near water features, alongside vernonias in well-drained soil.