Miscanthus transmorrisonensis

Miscanthus transmorrisonensis, also known as Taiwanese silver grass or Eulalia, has almost evergreen foliage and a silky cascade of feathery silver flower spikes in late summer. It is a large ornamental grass with which needs space to develop its dense tufted foliage. Its strong, wild, architectural presence fits in gardens of all styles, integrating into hedgerows or standing on the terrace in large pots. Simply plant it in the sun in deep and fertile soil moisture-retaining in summer.

Miscanthus transmorrisonensis is a perennial plant of the Poaceae family, originating from Taiwan, where it is found on grassy slopes and in open areas at high altitudes. It forms a dense and flexible, not invasive tuft, 200 cm (79in) high when flowering, 100 cm (39in) for the foliage, and will occupy 100 cm (39in) of ground space. Its growth is quite rapid in fertile soil. The foliage is green for most of the year (until January) and consists of narrow, ribbon-like, deep green leaves. Flowering begins in August, well above the foliage, at the end of numerous slender stalks. They start as surprising crimson-red floral buds which look a bit like caterpillars and open into golden flowers. They then elongate dramatically into silky spikes, turning silver when mature. This plant has one of the most beautiful flowers in the Miscanthus genus. 

The Taiwanese silver grass is very ornamental and deserves to be given some space to express its full potential. It can be used in a group with shorter varieties or to form a screen with taller varieties such as Miscanthus 'goliath', at the edge of the garden. This beautiful green screen will enhance the look of flowering shrubs. Two plants placed face to face can mark an entrance in an original and natural way. Take advantage of its fountain-like shape on a slightly elevated area, such as a large slope or incline, combined with autumn blooms of asters (Aster laevis Calliope, Aster turbinellus, Aster cordifolius) or sunflowers (Helianthus maximiliani, Helianthus salicifolius, Helianthus atrorubens...). It pairs well with perovskias and Stipa arundinacea, autumn daisies, Japanese anemones, and perennial chrysanthemums. In winter, their copper-coloured foliage is beautiful covered in frost.