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‘Morning Light’ miscanthus

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’

mis-KAN-thus sih-NEN-sis Audio

This beautiful grass has an “inner light” that emanates from the white midribs of its fine-textured leaf blades and the threads of white around their edges. Forming a graceful shape usually between 5 and 6 feet tall, ‘Morning Light’ turns golden in November and fades to beige in winter. This species is invasive in many areas of North America, and while ‘Morning Light’ is supposedly sterile, studies have shown that it can produce some viable seeds.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsNeeds no staking and has beautiful foliage. Flowers may be used for cutting or drying. Good autumn color. Winter interest.

CareVery tolerant, but does best in fertile, moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Should not have excessive moisture in winter. Cut to the ground by early spring.

PropagationDivide in spring when young. Sow seed in containers in a cold frame in early spring.

ProblemsInfrequent. The species is invasive in many parts of North America.

  • Genus : Miscanthus
  • Plant Width : 3 to 6 feet
  • Zones : 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Plant Height : 6 to 10 feet
  • Moisture : Adaptable, Medium Moisture
  • Characteristics : Deer Resistant, Showy Foliage
  • Tolerance : Deer Tolerant, Disease resistant
  • Bloom Time : Early Fall, Late Summer, Summer
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Fall Interest, Summer Interest
  • Uses : Foliage, Foundation Plantings, Screening/Hedges, Sun
  • Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Plant Type : Grasses
  • Foliage Color : Green and white
  • Maintenance : Moderate
  • Growth Rate : Moderate
  • Flower Color : White

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