Miscanthus sinensis 'Yaku Jima'

Yaku Jima Silvergrass

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Yaku Jima’
Also sold as ‘Yaku-jima’ or Yakushima Dwarf Maiden Grass.

A compact, fine-textured ornamental grass with narrow arching green to blue-green leaves accented by thin white midribs, creating a soft fountain-like habit. In late summer to fall, feathery pink-flushed to coppery flower plumes rise above the foliage and mature to silvery-white seedheads that persist into winter. The foliage develops warm reddish-brown to golden-bronze fall color before fading tan for winter interest.

Type: Ornamental grass perennial
Mature Size: 3–4' wide x 3–5' high
USDA Zones: 5a–9b
Form: Compact, arching, fountain-like, clump-forming
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil / Water: Average to moist, well-drained soil; moderate water once established
Bloom Time / Length: Late summer into fall
Wildlife: Birds; provides winter cover and seedhead interest. Deer resistance is commonly reported.

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent for smaller gardens, mixed borders, mass plantings, cottage gardens, Japanese-style gardens, and container plantings where a refined grass texture is desired. It is often described as resembling a dwarf version of ‘Gracillimus,’ offering similar elegance in a more compact size. The persistent plumes and winter structure provide multi-season interest.

Care: Plant in full sun for the best flowering and strongest habit. Grow in well-drained soil and cut foliage back to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Avoid overly wet winter soils. As with other Miscanthus sinensis cultivars, monitor for unwanted seedlings in regions where the species may naturalize.

Plant type

Ornamental Grass, Perennial

Height

3-5'

Width

3-4'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Winter, Fall, Late Summer

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Dark Green

Soil

Average, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Container, Grass, Mass Planting, Specimen

Shape

Arching, Clump, Upright

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes