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Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus' (Variegated Maiden Grass)
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© Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · Wikimedia Commons
Grasses

Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus'

Variegated Maiden Grass

Poaceae
E Asia (Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan; one of oldest variegated cultivars; 19th century)

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At a Glance

TypeGrass
HabitClumping
FoliageDeciduous
Height5-7 feet (1.5-2.1 m)
Width4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 m)
Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9
Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantContainer Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus' is a medium, deciduous, clump-forming ornamental grass reaching 5-7 feet (1.5-2.1 m) tall with a spread of 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 m) and an arching, fountain-like habit that tends to splay outward at the base. The leaves are 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) wide with longitudinal white to cream stripes along the margins and sometimes through the blade, on a green background. The striping pattern is irregular, creating a soft, variegated effect. Reddish-bronze flower plumes emerge in October-November (late), aging to silvery-white. In short-season climates, flowering may be sporadic. The foliage turns golden-tan in autumn. Growth rate is moderate. Hardy to zone 5. One of the oldest variegated M. sinensis cultivars. The arching habit tends to open and flop, especially in partial shade or rich soil.

Native Range

Miscanthus sinensis is native to eastern Asia—Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan. 'Variegatus' is one of the oldest variegated cultivars, in cultivation since the 19th century.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen or in mixed borders at 4-5 foot (1.2-1.5 m) spacing. The white-striped foliage adds variegation interest. The lax, arching habit tends to open and splay—may need support in rich soil or partial shade. Older cultivar; newer selections like 'Morning Light' and 'Cosmopolitan' provide neater habits. Not suitable for shade or windy exposed sites.

How to Identify

Distinguished from 'Morning Light' by the wider leaves (0.4-0.6 inch versus 0.1-0.2 inch) and the more lax, open habit. Distinguished from 'Cabaret' and 'Cosmopolitan' by the narrower leaves (0.4-0.6 inch versus 0.8-1.2 inches) and the margin-striped (versus center-striped or margin-striped on wide blades) pattern. Distinguished from 'Gracillimus' by the white variegation (versus plain green). The medium grass with white-striped medium-width leaves and a lax arching habit is diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height5' - 7'
Width/Spread4' - 5'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

pink

Foliage Colors

green
white

Fall Foliage Colors

gold
brown

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~5 weeks
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Fall
Reddish-bronze flower plumes emerging October-November (late), aging to silvery-white. May not bloom reliably in short-season climates. Plumes persist through winter when produced. Bloom duration is 4-6 weeks fresh.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Reddish-bronze aging to silvery-white; plumes Oct-Nov (late)

Foliage Description

Green with longitudinal white to cream stripes; 0.4-0.6 inch wide; irregular striping; golden-tan autumn

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysandsilt
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil of moderate fertility (pH 5.5-7.5). Hardy to zone 5. Full sun and lean soil produce the most upright habit. Rich soil and partial shade cause the stems to splay outward. Drought tolerant once established. Cut back in late winter. May need staking or a support ring in rich conditions.

Pruning

Cut all stems to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) above ground in late February to early March. Leave dried foliage through winter.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 15 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic