Miscanthus (often called Maiden Grass or Silvergrass) is famous for its rapid growth, making it a fantastic choice if you’re looking to add some lush greenery to your landscape in a hurry. To help you get the most out of this stunning ornamental grass, I’ve broken down everything you need to know about its growth habits:
- Max height
- Growth rate
- Seasonal cycles
- Tips for a healthy plant
Max Height
Just like people, every plant has its own unique personality. Even within the same family, different varieties of Miscanthus can vary wildly in size.
The height range for this grass is actually pretty incredible. On one end, you have dwarf varieties that stay a compact 15 to 24 inches tall. On the other end, you’ve got Giant Miscanthus, which can tower over your garden at a massive 13 feet! Most of the popular backyard varieties fall somewhere in the middle, usually reaching between 3 and 6 feet. Pro tip: If you want yours to reach its full potential, give it a sunny spot. In partial shade, it tends to stay a bit shorter.
Growth Rate
While heights vary, the actual “speed” of growth is fairly consistent across most types. Of course, the taller the variety, the more noticeable that growth is—Giant Miscanthus can actually shoot up by 2 inches in a single day! Even so, it takes about the same amount of time as standard varieties to reach full maturity. Only the tiny dwarf versions tend to take a little longer to hit their final height.
If you’ve got ideal soil and light conditions, your Miscanthus can be fully grown in just two years. By the third year at the latest, it will have reached its maximum size. Again, plenty of sunlight is the secret sauce here!
Seasonal Cycles
Miscanthus doesn’t grow year-round; it follows a specific rhythm. Its active growing season starts in the spring and runs through the fall, usually wrapping up with a beautiful display of feathery plumes (the flowers). Once winter hits, the plant goes dormant and takes a well-deserved nap until the warmth of spring coaxes out new green shoots.
Tips for a Healthy Plant
Want to give your grass a little extra boost? Here are a few simple ways to support healthy, vigorous growth:
- Give it a good “haircut” (pruning) every spring.
- Keep the water supply consistent—don’t let it get bone-dry.
- Use a balanced fertilizer in the spring to kickstart the season.
- Make sure it has plenty of elbow room for its roots to spread out.
