Miscanthus sinensis ssp. condensatus 'Cosmopolitan'

Cosmopolitan Silvergrass

Miscanthus sinensis ssp. condensatus ‘Cosmopolitan’ is a large, bold ornamental perennial grass with broad, arching leaves striped lengthwise in green and creamy-white. It forms a substantial upright-to-fountain-shaped clump, creating a bright variegated effect in the landscape. Coppery to reddish plumes appear in late summer into fall and mature to silvery-tan, often remaining attractive into winter. Compared with ‘Cabaret,’ ‘Cosmopolitan’ typically has green leaf centers with creamy-white margins, giving it a cleaner striped edge effect.

Type: Ornamental grass / perennial
Mature Size: 4–5 ft. wide × 6–8 ft. tall
USDA Zones: 5a–9b
Form: Large, upright-arching, fountain-shaped clump
Light: Full sun to part sun
Soil / Water: Average to well-drained soil; medium water, drought tolerant once established
Bloom Time / Length: Late summer to fall; plumes may persist into winter
Wildlife: Deer resistant; provides winter cover and texture

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent as a bold specimen grass, large border accent, soft screen, backdrop planting, mass planting, or winter-interest plant. Its wide variegated foliage gives strong contrast and brightness, especially against darker evergreens, purple foliage, stone, or shaded garden edges.

Care:
Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Divide in spring when clumps become too large or begin to thin in the center. Best color, form, and flowering occur in full sun.

Plant type

Ornamental Grass, Perennial

Height

6-8'

Width

4-5'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Fall, Fall, Late Fall

Flower color

White

Soil

Average, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Border, Container, Foundation, Mass Planting, Specimen

Shape

Arching, Clump, Upright

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No