Himalayan Fairy Grass

A very desirable, warm-season, ornamental grass for milder areas, Miscanthus nepalensis is a clump-forming, deciduous grass with an arching habit. Narrow, linear, bright green leaves appear in mid-spring, forming a compact clump, and often turning bronze in autumn. From August to October, beautiful, flowing, honey-coloured plumes appear on slender stems in summer, well above the clump at head-height, persisting into winter. Himalayan fairy grass was once thought to be half-hardy, but it has adapted over the years to cooler climates, although it’s not for the coldest areas, unless it’s grown in large pots and brought in for the winter; a warm, sheltered sunny site is a must even in the mildest areas.

Site: Warm, sunny, sheltered site
Soil: Any moderately fertile, very well-drained soil, preferably moist
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: Summer to autumn
Hardiness: Doubtfully hardy
Height: up to 5’ (1.5m) Spread: 39” (1m)