James H. Schutte
Family
Poaceae
Botanical Name
Miscanthus floridulus
Plant Common Name
Giant Chinese Silvergrass, Pacific Island Silvergrass
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
A tall, clump-forming warm-season grass, the Pacific Island silvergrass produces pinkish-bronze seed heads by the start of autumn. Also called giant Chinese silvergrass, this species is native to the southernmost islands of Japan, Taiwan and Guam in the western Pacific. The plant slowly enlarges into a clump as the underground rhizomes elongate. Above-ground growth of stems and foliage is rapid each year, but is killed back by winter cold.
The long, slender, spear-like leaves are deep green with a satin-gloss finish. They flop and arch gracefully from the upright stems. Stem tips produce a large, open and wispy flower head in summer. The tiny true flowers are ivory, but the cluster plumes attain a pale pink to pink-brown color as summer progresses into fall. Cool fall temperatures cause the foliage to blush in shades of pink, red, orange and yellow. By winter, the clump's foliage is fully dry and beige. New growth emerges in spring once temperature again warm.
Grow Pacific Island silvergrass in as much direct sunlight as possible. Although tolerant of some shade, too much of it causes stems to become weak and flop or topple as they reach for sunlight. Amazingly tolerant of soils, it will succeed in clay, loam or sand that is fertile. It handles both seasonal drought or soggy conditions with ease. Air pollution and black walnut toxins in the soil do not cause problems. Use Pacific Island silvergrass as a durable hedge or screen in an urban landscape or other area with other bold, large-size plants don't seem to excel. Remove any seedlings in the garden to prevent a potential thicket of tall grass clumps over time. Cut back the grass to the ground each late winter to allow for fresh new growth to sprout in spring with full access to air and sunlight.
This seed-producing grass species is often mislabeled or confused with Miscanthus 'Giganteus', which is sterile and even taller growing. 'Giganteus' is more cold hardy, and has the common name of giant silvergrass.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 9
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Sunset Zone
H1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Grass
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
8'-12' / 2.4m - 3.7m
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Width
4'-5' / 1.2m - 1.5m
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Bloom Time
Summer, Late Summer
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Native To
China, Japan, Micronesia
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Light Yellow, Ivory
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Fruit Color
Light Pink, Copper, Tan
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Orange, Light Yellow, Gold, Burgundy, Bronze
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Light Yellow, Tan
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
