Miscanthus sinensis Silberfeder - Silvergrass

Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberfeder', also known as Eulalia or Chinese silver grass, is a spectacular ornamental grass, particularly floriferous even in cool climates. From August onwards, the white panicles rise among the foliage and then turn silvery to pale brownish-pink as autumn progresses. Its stature allows it to be used as a windbreak or privacy screen, even though the wind sometimes bends it. This giant perennial adapts to any ordinary, well-drained, and deep soil and can even tolerate moderate drought.

Eulalia 'Silberfeder' 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 grows in a non-spreading clump, it is clump-forming. The habit is both erect and trailing, reaching a height of 2m (7ft), with a minimum spread of 70cm (28in). The leaves are wide and ribbon-like, very long, flexible, with a dark green color clearly marked by a light and silver stripe along the main vein. The flowering is particularly generous and stands out from afar. Long floral stems emerge from the foliage from August to October, in the form of very fine and finger-like silky spikes, 20cm (8in) long, tinged with white. When fading, they take on a more golden hue, tinged with pink. The plumes remain on the dry plant for a good part of the winter, retaining an appreciable decorative aspect during the "dull" season.

Designed for large mass plantings, these tall grasses and their strong presence bring beautiful structure and grace, if given space to express themselves. Contemplative gardeners place them among asters, behind chrysanthemums or repeat-flowering roses, and let them grow and expand. In a wild and tousled or modern and sleek atmosphere, they are admired as they play with the wind and the low autumn light, and bend under the showers. Miscanthus is well suited for planting as a hedge, creating a screen along an alley, to isolate a part of the garden, as a privacy screen or windbreak. These grasses add volume and create a natural transition between spaces. In urban areas, Miscanthus 'Silberfeder' blends well with its discreet colors, rounding off corners. It looks magnificent planted near water features and accompanies vernonias in well-drained soil. It can also be cultivated in large containers for terraces and balconies.