Miscanthus nepalensis Flower (20/10/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Late summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 1.5m
Eventual Spread: 1m
Hardiness: 8a -12
Family: Poaceae
Miscanthus nepalensis is a clump forming grass. Its mid green leaves are linear, up to 50cm long and 1cm broad. Its yellowish flowers appear as drooping panicles and are up to 15cm long. These remain on the plant through the winter months. Its roots are short rhizomes.
Miscanthus nepalensis, commonly known as Himalayan Fairy Grass, is native to the Himalaya’s and Burma.
The etymological root of the binomial name Miscanthus is derived from the Greek miskos meaning ‘stem’ and anthos meaning ‘flower’, referring to the stalked spikelets. Nepalensis is derived from Latin meaning ‘from Nepal’.
Miscanthus nepalensis (20/10/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
The landscape architect may find Miscanthus nepalensis useful in prairie type planting schemes.
Ecologically, Miscanthus nepalensis seeds are attractive to some birds and use the plant as cover.
Miscanthus nepalensis prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Miscanthus nepalensis requires little maintenance. To keep a tidy appearance it may be cut to near ground level before new growth starts in spring. Large clumps may be divided in mid spring.