Miscanthus Sinensis 'Morning Light'

Yes, another ornamental grass post. Sorry, but you'll have to deal. That is what happens when you have poor clay soil, hungry deer and love some fall/winter interest.

Today it is all about Miscanthus Sinensis 'Morning Light'.

Some facts for ya:

• The leaves are very fine with a white margin - as a result it emits a silvery appearance
• Survives in zones 4-9
• Warm season grass - new growth emerges in Spring as the weather warms up
• Prefers full sun
• Typically reaches 4' - 5' tall with another 1' added on with the blooms 
• Typically 3' to 4' wide 
• Blooms in late Summer to early Winter - blooms are wine colored 
• Tolerates all soils from clay to sandy
• Like all ornamental grasses it is deer resistant
• Looks good as a contrasting specimen or in groups as an informal hedge
• Stands up well all Winter (with a tan foliage) so extends the level of interest     

On a personal level, I like how it combines and contrasts well with other perennials, like with the Joe Pye Weed below:

Even a weed growing within it looks good:

They emanate a "light" when back lit by the sun and at all different angles:

Like most grasses, the see through value cannot be underestimated:

The blooms develop in early September and have a gorgeous wine color:

The foliage and blooms eventually turn tan in the Winter but hold up well and look fantastic when covered in ice:  

'Morning Light' should be cut down to about 10" in early Spring before the new growth emerges and I usually use a hedge trimmer to complete the job as efficiently as possible. Before long, the new growth emerges and you are back in business. Good times indeed!

ONG

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