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Miscanthus sinensis 'Cabaret'

Previously known as:

  • Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus
Phonetic Spelling
miss-KANTH-us sy-NEN-sis
Description

 

 'Cabaret' is a herbaceous clumping ornamental grass in the Poaceae family and a cultivar of the invasive Japanese silver grass.

This is a clumping grass that will grow 6 to 7 feet tall and spread 3 to 4 feet in an upright slightly arching form. It does best in full sun but will tolerate some shade. Plant in well-drained, moist soils for best results. Leave the foliage uncut during the winter and cut back to one foot in late winter.

The long narrow leaves are green with a white central stripe and turn tan in winter. The inflorescence is a showy cluster of small pinkish-white flowers in the fall. This cultivar is considered slower to set seed and spread than other varieties, but it can cross-pollinate with others and become more aggressive.

Please see native grass alternatives to the left. Grasses can be used in the border, as a specimen, in the wildlife garden or in naturalized areas.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant problems. Has the potential to become weedy.

More information on Miscanthus sinensis.

See this plant in the following landscape :
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#full sun tolerant#fall interest#ornamental grass#high maintenance#deer resistant#variegated#naturalizes#naturalized area#weedy
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#full sun tolerant#fall interest#ornamental grass#high maintenance#deer resistant#variegated#naturalizes#naturalized area#weedy
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Miscanthus
    Species:
    sinensis
    Family:
    Poaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Asia
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    Deer resistant
    Dimensions:
    Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 7 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Dense
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    High
    Texture:
    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 pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Caryopsis
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Pink
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Panicle
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Tiny, pinkish-white flowers appear in tassel-like inflorescences which rise above the foliage clump in late summer. Flower plumes mature to creamy white as the seed ripens, with plumes lasting well into if not through the winter.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Cream/Tan
    Green
    White
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Shape:
    Linear
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Cream white centers with wide dark green margins; individual stems may revert to green. Fades to tan after frost
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Coastal
    Meadow
    Naturalized Area
    Pond
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Water Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Small groups
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Rabbits
    Salt