Miscanthus sinensis variegatus

Common Name:
Variegated Maiden Grass

Description:
Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus' is a striking ornamental grass known for its bold, arching foliage striped with creamy white and green. Its graceful, fountain-like form adds movement, texture and brightness to garden spaces, making it an excellent feature plant or backdrop in mixed borders. Well-suited to Melbourne conditions, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating a range of soil types once established. In late summer through autumn, it produces soft, feathery flower plumes that emerge with a subtle pinkish hue before maturing to silvery-white, providing seasonal interest and visual contrast against the variegated foliage. This deciduous grass dies back in winter and returns with fresh growth in spring. It is highly valued for its architectural presence, low maintenance nature, and ability to create structure and softness in both formal and informal garden designs.

Form:
• Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature Size:
• Height: 1.5–2 m
• Width: 1–1.5 m

Aspect:
• Full Sun

Flowering:
• Flowers in Summer
• Flowers in Autumn

Flower Colour:
• Soft pink (new plumes)
• Silvery-white (mature plumes)

Key Attributes:
• Suitable for Pots (large containers)
• Disease Resistant
• Perennial
• Deciduous
• Drought tolerant once established
• Low maintenance
• Variegated foliage
• Ideal for feature planting
• Suitable for mass planting
• Adds height and movement
• Attractive seed heads for winter interest
• Wind tolerant

Toxicity:
Not known to be toxic to humans, dogs or cats.

Companion Plants:
• Salvia
• Echinacea
• Rudbeckia
• Verbena bonariensis
• Gaura
• Lavandula (Lavender)
• Nepeta
• Achillea
• Penstemon