Over the past five years I have come to truly appreciate the magnificent beauty of this plant. At first, I didn't fully appreciate it; now it is the focal point around which all other plants reside. Soft, gentle motion in a breeze, tolerates my amended clay soil, hot summer temps of northern California, and looks good in the fall, Cut back in early spring. The variegation of the leaves complements every other planting. So happy.
Morning Light Ornamental Grass Miscanthus sinensis
- Part Sun to Sun
- Summer
- Fall
- Winter
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Details
48 - 60 Inches36 - 36 Inches36 - 36 Inches1.2m - 1.5m91cm91cmFeatures
Graceful habit with delicately striped leaves and late summer blooms
Award WinnerWinter InterestDeadheading Not NecessarySalt TolerantAttracts:BirdsResists:DeerGrass:GrassCharacteristics
Plant Type:PerennialHeight Category:TallGarden Height:48 - 60 Inches 1.2m - 1.5mSpacing:36 Inches 91cmSpread:36 Inches 91cmFlower Colors:RedFlower Shade:RedFoliage Colors:GreenFoliage Colors:SilverFoliage Shade:VariegatedHabit:UprightContainer Role:ThrillerPlant Needs
Light Requirement:Part Sun to SunThe optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours).
Maintenance Category:EasyBloom Time:Early WinterBloom Time:Late SummerBloom Time:Mid WinterBloom Time:Early FallBloom Time:Late WinterBloom Time:Mid FallBloom Time:Late FallHardiness Zones:5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9bWater Category:AverageSoil Fertility Requirement:Average SoilSoil Fertility Requirement:Poor SoilSoil PH Category:Acidic SoilSoil PH Category:Neutral SoilUses:Border PlantUses:ContainerUses:Dried FlowerUses:GrassUses:LandscapeUses:Mass PlantingUses:Specimen or Focal PointUses Notes:Use in beds, borders and large containers
Maintenance Notes:Morning Light is a warm-season grass. Warm-season grasses won't start growing until mid to late spring or even early summer. Their major growth and flowering happens when the weather is hot. They will usually turn shades of brown for the winter.
Cut back warm season grasses in fall or by mid to late spring. Warm season grasses turn shades of brown as the weather turns colder. Once your warm season grasses turn brown you can trim them back at almost any time. If you like to tidy your garden in fall or if you live in an area where fire can be problematic trim warm season grasses so they are just a few inches tall.
If you live in an area where fire generally isn't a problem you can leave the dried grasses and seed heads in your garden for winter interest. Snow or ice encrusted ornamental grasses can be quite beautiful.
If you leave the trimming until spring try to make sure to cut them back to the ground (you can leave a couple of inches) by late spring, before new growth begins.
Not all ornamental grasses look good through the winter, trim back those that don't look good in the fall.
Divide warm season grasses anytime spring through mid-summer. All ornamental grasses should be divided when they are actively growing but not while they are flowering. If the plants are dormant when they are transplanted they won't establish a good root system. Warm season grasses generally start growing in late spring or early summer and have their active growth period during the heat of the summer. Warm season grasses will tend to bloom in mid to late summer.
Foliage should be left standing throughout the winter for visual interest and to provide protection for the crowns. Cut foliage to the ground in late winter just before new shoots appear.
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3 Reviews
5241321Browse reviews from people who have grown this plant.-
Jane, California, United States, 2 years ago
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Absolutely my favorite. Plant just glows, and looks shimmery in the light. Will be planting more next year.
Marilee Snyder, Ohio, United States, 13 years ago -
This grass is delicate looking, yet very easy to grow. I cut it back early in the spring and leave it through the winter as an ornament.
Trisha, New York, United States, 13 years ago
4 Awards
Award Year Award Plant Trial 2005 Best Grasses at the Zoo Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden 2005 Best Grasses at the Zoo Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden 2005 Best Grasses at the Zoo Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden 2005 Best Grasses at the Zoo Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden 1 Recipe
- Soft VelourRecipe
What you'll need:
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