Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light'

Morning Light Silvergrass

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’

A clump-forming ornamental grass with very narrow green leaves edged in white, giving the whole plant a soft, silvery appearance and very fine texture. It develops an upright, graceful, arching habit, then produces reddish-copper flower plumes in late summer to early fall that age to silvery seedheads; fall color is typically tan to buff. Missouri Botanical Garden describes it as one of the finest-textured maiden grasses, and NC State notes blooms in mid to late September.

Type: Ornamental grass perennial
Mature Size: 2.5–3' wide x 3–6' high
USDA Zones: 5a–9b
Form: Upright, arching, clump-forming
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil / Water: Average, medium-moisture, well-drained soil; moderate water
Bloom Time / Length: Late summer into fall
Wildlife: Provides cover and seedhead interest; as with Miscanthus sinensis generally, seedlings can be an issue in some regions where the species escapes cultivation.

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent for mixed borders, mass plantings, screens, and specimen use where a refined, fountain-like texture is wanted. It is especially valued for its narrower leaves and more delicate look than many other maiden grasses, making it useful in smaller or more formal plantings.

Care: Plant in full sun for the strongest habit and best flowering. Cut old foliage back in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. It tolerates a wide range of soils but performs best in moist, well-drained ground; too much shade can reduce flowering and encourage flopping. 

Plant type

Ornamental Grass, Perennial

Height

3-6'

Width

2.5-3'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Fall, Fall, Late Summer

Flower color

White

Soil

Average, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Container, Mass Planting, Specimen

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No