Miscanthus sinensis 'Silver Feather'

Silberfeder Japanese Silvergrass

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Silver Feather’
Also commonly sold under the German cultivar name ‘Silberfeder’.

A tall, clump-forming ornamental grass with graceful arching green foliage accented by narrow white midribs. In late summer, large pinkish-silver plumes emerge high above the foliage and mature to glowing silvery-white seedheads that persist well into winter. It is especially valued for its dramatic height, strong winter presence, and earlier bloom time compared with many other maiden grasses.

Type: Ornamental grass perennial
Mature Size: 4–6' wide x 6–8' high
USDA Zones: 4a–9b
Form: Upright, arching, clump-forming
Light: Full sun
Soil / Water: Average to moist, well-drained soil; moderate water, drought tolerant once established
Bloom Time / Length: Late summer into fall
Wildlife: Birds; provides winter cover and seedhead interest; deer resistant.

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent for screening, mass plantings, prairie-style gardens, specimen use, and winter landscape structure. The large silvery plumes catch backlighting beautifully and remain ornamental long after flowering. It is also considered one of the showiest flowering maiden grasses for colder climates.

Care: Plant in full sun for strongest growth and best flowering. Cut foliage back in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. It tolerates a range of soils, including clay, but prefers good drainage. Some sources note this cultivar is considered relatively sterile compared with seed-producing forms of Miscanthus sinensis. 

Plant type

Ornamental Grass, Perennial

Height

6-8'

Width

4-6'

Hardiness zones

4–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Fall, Fall, Late Summer

Flower color

Light Coral

Leaf color

Dark Spring Green, White

Fall color

Bronze

Soil

Average, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Container

Shape

Arching, Clumping, Upright

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No