Miscanthus sinensis Nippon - Silvergrass

Miscanthus sinensis 'Nippon' is a Chinese reed with a rather narrow habit. It is compact and not voluminous. It is composed of low and trailing foliage from which tall inflorescences emerge in late summer. The vegetation takes on beautiful bronze to coppery hues in autumn. Its towering flower spikes, tinged with pink when opening, become silvery when mature. Original, elegant, and colourful, this non-invasive and easy-to-grow grass will find its place in any garden. It also deserves a prominent spot in a large container on a patio.

The 'Nippon' eulalia belongs to the Poaceae family. It is an original variety derived from Miscanthus sinensis, native to East Asia and Oceania. This perennial grass with short rhizomes quickly develops into a compact clump that does not spread. It is clump-forming and non-invasive. It reaches about 1.5m (5ft) in height when flowering with a diameter of 60cm (24in) at the base of the clump. The leaves are thin (less than 6mm wide) and ribbon-like. They are flexible, not very long, with a pointed tip. The leaves are green with a white line running through them. In October, the stems or culms change colour, as do the leaves, which turn coppery orange. The floral stems emerge well above the foliage in August-September, in the form of silky, finger-like spikes measuring 25 to 30cm (10 to 12in) long. They are initially very pale-pink. As they fade, they become pale white-silver. The plumes are made up of tiny flowers that close up slightly after opening, only to open again when mature. They then take on a fluffier appearance. The deciduous foliage dries up in winter, while still retaining a fairly decorative aspect when the plant, adorned with faded inflorescences, is covered in frost.

Among ornamental grasses, miscanthus is probably one of the most beautiful and least invasive. It has been the subject of numerous selections and is the origin of many cultivars. They all share the same upright, regular and arched tufted silhouette, with long leaves with a light median stripe, turning straw-yellow in winter. 'Nippon' is a wonderful perennial that grows on its own once well established, perfect for contemplative or beginner gardeners. The king of patios and balconies, it has its place in a modern garden with clean lines, a Japanese garden, or in large ensembles where it will lighten floral displays. In winter, it lights up the garden with its reassuring silhouette. In an urban garden, it will wake up and soften concrete structures. Pair this Chinese reed with autumn asters, tall sedums, autumn daisies, or heleniums.