Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberfeder'
silver feather maiden grass
Eastern Asia (Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan); cultivar selected by Hans Simon in Germany
Overview
Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberfeder', also sold as Silver Feather, is a large deciduous clump-forming ornamental grass reaching 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m) tall with a spread of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) and a strongly upright, vase-shaped habit. The cultivar was selected in Germany by Hans Simon and is propagated vegetatively. Silvery-pink flower plumes 10-14 inches (25-36 cm) long emerge in August and September — 4-6 weeks earlier than 'Gracillimus' and earlier than most other large M. sinensis cultivars — and age to silvery-white. Plumes sit well above the foliage on sturdy stems and persist through winter. Leaves are 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) wide, medium green with a silver midrib, and arching at the tips, turning golden-tan in autumn. Growth rate is fast; a divided clump reaches mature size in 2-3 growing seasons. Hardy to USDA zone 4, which is colder than the zone 5 or 6 limit of many large M. sinensis cultivars; flowering is reliable across this range because the early bloom timing gives plumes time to develop before first frost even in short-season climates. Non-toxic. Can self-seed in mild, moist climates, and the species is listed as invasive in parts of the eastern United States.
Native Range
The species Miscanthus sinensis is native to eastern Asia — Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan. 'Silberfeder' was selected in Germany by Hans Simon and is propagated vegetatively by division.Suggested Uses
Used as a specimen, screen, or windbreak in zones 4-9 at 4-6 foot (1.2-1.8 m) spacing. Cold hardiness to USDA zone 4 extends the species' planting range farther north than most large M. sinensis cultivars, and early August-September flowering gives plumes time to develop before first frost across the hardiness range. The 6-8 foot (1.8-2.4 m) height acts as a screen and a windbreak in large gardens. Self-seeding in mild, moist climates can be problematic; the species is listed as invasive in parts of the eastern United States. Not suited to shade, small gardens, or regions where M. sinensis is listed as regulated or invasive.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 8'
Width/Spread4' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Silvery-pink flower plumes 10-14 inches (25-36 cm) long emerge in August and September — the earliest of the large M. sinensis cultivars. Plumes age to silvery-white and persist through winter. Flowering is reliable in USDA zones 4-9, including short-season climates where later-flowering cultivars such as 'Gracillimus' often fail to bloom. Bloom duration is 6-8 weeks fresh; plumes persist 4 months or more in a dried state.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Silvery-pink plumes 10-14 inches (25-36 cm) long aging to silvery-white; emerges August-September (earliest of the large cultivars)Foliage Description
Medium green with silver midrib; 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) wide; arching; turns golden-tan in autumnGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun in well-drained soil at pH 5.5-7.5. Full sun is required for upright stems; under shade the clump flops. Tolerates a wide range of soil types. Hardy to USDA zone 4. Growth rate is fast. Drought tolerant once established. Cut the clump back to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in late February or early March before new growth emerges. Can self-seed in mild, moist climates, and the species is listed as invasive in parts of the eastern United States.Pruning
Cut all stems to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) above ground in late February to early March. Leave dried foliage and plumes through winter for structure and wildlife cover. Divide crowded clumps in early spring every 4-5 years.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring