Miscanthus sinensis Gnome - Silvergrass

Miscanthus sinensis 'Gnome' is a pretty little Chinese reed. It is bushy and compact, perfect for small gardens and container cultivation. This variety forms a tuft of fine leaves, from which thin and beautifully erect, coppery plume-like inflorescences emerge in late summer, turning red in autumn and persisting on the plant until December. With its beautiful structure, graceful flowering, and ease of cultivation in not too dry soil, this grass deserves a prominent place in borders or in a large container on a patio.

The 'Gnome' eulalia belongs to the Poaceae family. It is a recent variety derived from Miscanthus sinensis, native to East Asia and Oceania. This perennial grass with short rhizomes quickly develops into a non-invasive tufted clump. The erect and slightly trailing fountain-like habit does not exceed 90cm (35in) in height, with a relative spread of 50cm (20in). The ribbon-like leaves are very fine (less than 4mm wide), very long, quite flexible, and medium green in colour. The flower stems emerge just above the foliage in August-September, in the form of silky digitate spikes 15cm (6in) long. They are coppery pink in colour. As they fade, they take on a redder hue. The plumes are made up of tiny flowers that close slightly after opening, only to reopen when mature. They then take on a fluffier appearance. The deciduous foliage dries up in winter, while still maintaining a fairly decorative aspect when the plant, adorned with faded inflorescences, becomes covered in frost.

Among ornamental grasses, miscanthus is probably one of the most beautiful and least invasive. It has been the subject of numerous selections and is the origin of many cultivars. They all share the same upright, regular and arching tufted silhouette, with long leaves with a light median stripe, which turn straw-yellow in winter. 'Gnome' is a wonderful perennial that grows on its own once well established, perfect for contemplative or beginner gardeners. King of patios and balconies, it has its place in a modern garden with clean lines, a Japanese garden, or in large ensembles where it will lighten up the flowering. In winter, it lights up the garden with its reassuring silhouette. In an urban garden, it will awaken and soften concrete structures. Pair this Chinese reed with autumn asters, tall sedums, autumn daisies, or heleniums.