Miscanthus sinensis 'Adagio'

Plant Family

Poaceae

Plant Botanical Name

Miscanthus sinensis 'Adagio'

Photo by: MARK A. MILLER

Plant Common Name

Adagio Silvergrass, Eulalia, Japanese Silvergrass

General Description

The neat 'Adagio' is a more compact form of Japanese silvergrass. This dense, clump-forming grass originates from eastern Asia. The long, slender leaf blades are medium green with razor thin white midribs that turn a beautiful wheat color in autumn. In the late summer to fall plants produce many tall, upright stems topped with feathery, rose-hued silvery plumes that soften and curl as they dry. These remain attractive throughout winter, rustling in the wind.

Japanese silvergrass performs well in full sun and tolerates a wide range of moderately drained soils. Plants form substantial clumps that should be cut to the ground in the early spring before new growth emerges and divided every three years. They also reseed themselves and have been known to be somewhat invasive.

Enjoy 'Adagio' in large borders planted in masses or as an accent plant among shrubs, dwarf conifers or other perennials.

Characteristics

• AHS Heat Zone

  9 - 1

• USDA Hardiness Zone

  4 - 9

• Sunset Zone

  2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

• Plant Type

  Grass

• Sun Exposure

  Full Sun

• Height

  3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m (3)

• Width

  2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m (3)

• Bloom Time

  Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall

• Native To

  Eastern Asia, China, Japan, Korea

Growing Conditions

• Soil pH

  Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

• Soil Drainage

  Average

• Soil type

  Clay, Loam, Sand

• Tolerances

  Pollution, Drought

• Growth Rate

  Fast

• Water Requirements

  Drought Tolerant, Average Water

• Habit

  Clump-Forming

• Seasonal Interest

  Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

• Flower Interest

  Showy

• Flower Color

  Rose, Ivory, Silver

• Fruit Color

  Tan, Ivory, Silver

• Foliage Color (Spring)

  White, Green

• Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier

  Striped/Striated

• Foliage Color (Summer)

  White, Green

• Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier

  Striped/Striated

• Foliage Color (Fall)

  Green, Light Yellow, Tan

• Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier

  Striped/Striated

• Foliage Color (Winter)

  Tan

• Fragrant Flowers

  No

• Fragrant Fruit

  No

• Fragrant Foliage

  No

• Bark or Stem Fragrant

  No

• Repeat Bloomer

  No

• Showy Fruit

  No

• Edible Fruit

  No

• Showy Foliage

  Yes

• Foliage Texture

  Fine

• Foliage Sheen

  Matte

• Evergreen

  No

• Showy Bark

  No

Special Characteristics

• Usage

  Dried Flower / Everlasting, Container, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border

• Sharp or Has Thorns

  No

• Invasive

  Sometimes

• Self-Sowing

  Yes