Light
Full sun for upright growth; in part shade it arches more and may flop.
Growing guide · Grasses
Miscanthus sinensis
How to grow Variegated Maiden Grass 'Variegatus'.
Cream pinstripes, six feet of them.
- Light
- Full sun, part sun
- Water
- Low
- Zones
- 5–9
- Size
- 5–7 ft tall, 3–4 ft wide
- Spacing
- 4 ft apart, or 3 ft for a screen.
- Pets
- Not on the ASPCA pet-safe list; keep it out of reach
Water
Water weekly the first summer. After that, drought tolerant.
Planting and soil
Plant in spring or early fall with the crown at soil level.
Feeding
None. Rich soil makes it floppy.
Pruning
Cut back to 4–6 in. in late winter before new growth starts.
Through the year
Up in late spring, full height by August, plumes in September, tan through winter.
If something's off
Can flop in shade or rich soil. Miscanthus self-seeds in long-season areas; cut plumes before they shatter if you see seedlings. Divide when the center dies out.
Plays well with
Plant it with friends.
Why we stock it: A big, bright grass that lightens up a bed and works as a soft screen.
That's everything we know about growing it. Thanks for reading.
Know someone with the right spot? Send them this.
Maiden Grass 'Variegatus'from $60.99 · Arrives alive, or we replace it
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What to plant this week in your zone, every Sunday. New ways to plant and odd tricks that actually work.
Sunday's tip is written for your zone: what to plant this week, and a kit that fits.Set your zone and Sunday's tip gets specific: what to plant this week, and a kit that fits.
Patio pot kit
Balcony Brag
Forty square feet, big opinions.
4 plants · $165.92In a pot, any zone
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Everything in it tastes terrible to deer.
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Office kit
The Desk Set
Three small plants, one desk.
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Drought garden kit
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For the slope the hose doesn't reach.
14 plants · $554.86Zones 5–9
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Mailbox garden kit
The Mailbox Bed
Curb appeal in one afternoon.
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Pollinator garden kit
The Pollinator Buffet
Open seating for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
14 plants · $424.86Zones 4–9
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Shade garden kit
Shade Layers
For the spot the sun forgot.
8 plants · $151.92Zones 3–9
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Edible kit · plant this fall
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Pick it, eat it, walk away.
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