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Native alternative(s) for Miscanthus 'Purpurascens':
Schizachyrium scoparium Schizachyrium scoparius
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Cornus mas Cornus mas
Juniperus chinensis var. sargentii Juniperus chinensis 'Sargentii'
Monarda didyma Flowers

Autumn Flame Miscanthus 'Purpurascens'

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
miss-KANTH-us pur-PUR-ah-senz
Description

This versatile plant is a graceful arching, fine-textured grass that forms dense, reddish-green clumps. The foliage is flexible and blows easily in the wind. Slender leaves originate in a clump, spreading out and up like a fountain. The 3- to 4-foot-tall clumps produce beautiful purple-red or red-orange foliage in autumn that are excellent to dry. The 8- to 10-inch-long plumes turn white persisting through the winter months.

Foliage is best left standing throughout the winter for visual interest and to provide protection for the crowns. Cut foliage to the ground in late winter just before new shoots appear.

Three additional characteristics make this a unique plant: first; it is adaptable to cold climates; second, the majority of times this plant is a non-invasive because it usually does not produce fertile seeds; third, Autumn or Flame grass is naturally small and not a dwarf enjoying a bit more moisture.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Hercules'
'Hercules'
Tags:
#deer resistant#playground plant#bird friendly#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Hercules'
'Hercules'
Tags:
#deer resistant#playground plant#bird friendly#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Miscanthus
    Family:
    Poaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Wildlife Value:
    Birds are attracted to the seeds. Provides cover for small mammals.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    3 feet-6 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Caryopsis
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Pink
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Panicle
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Good Dried
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Description:
    Early flowering; narrow, vertical with few branches; opens with slight pink tints; drys silvery
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Orange
    Leaf Feel:
    Rough
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Orange
    Red/Burgundy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    This sturdy plant is erect in sun and usually in light shade with the leaves being 1/2 inch in width.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Pond
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Water Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Mass Planting
    Screen/Privacy
    Specimen
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Black Walnut
    Deer
    Pollution