Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ (08/09/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Autumn
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 1.8m
Eventual Spread: 1.2m
Hardiness: 5a – 9b
Family: Poaceae
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ is a deciduous, perennial grass with a clump forming habit. Its light green leaves are narrow, arching and bear vertical bands of cream or pale yellow. In warm summers it produces red/ brown (maturing to silvery/gray) flowers which are fan shaped panicles.
The species, Miscanthus sinensis, commonly known as Chinese Silver Grass or Eulalia Grass, is native to much of eastern Asia including Korea, China and Japan. Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ is a selected sport of Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’. Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ is synonymous with Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus Variegatus’
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. Sinensis is derived from the Latin meaning ‘from China’.
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ Leaf (08/09/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
The landscape architect may find Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ useful as a low maintenance, tall grass. It looks good when planted en mass in windswept sites as its foliage sways in a breeze. It can also form a component in prairie style planing. Once established it is drought tolerant.
Ecologically, Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ may attract various species of birds that will use it as cover from predators.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 2001.
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ requires little maintenance. It may be cut down to ground level in late winter before the new foliage appears. Large clumps may be divided in spring.