Great Plant Pick: Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus ‘Cabaret’

Published 1:30 am Saturday, August 12, 2017

What: Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus “Cabaret,” a type of variegated maiden grass, is noted for its wide green leaves with a creamy, irregular midrib that forms a substantial, arching clump. The foliage turns yellowish after frost, but quickly fades to straw-beige by winter. Copper flowers appear in tassel-like inflorescences above the foliage in September, gradually turning into silvery white plumes as the seeds mature. Flower plumes persist well into winter, providing good winter interest. It looks great combined with Fothergilla gardenii and other larger growing perennials like Thalictrum delavayi “Hewitt’s Double” to add a light texture. It can be used in combination with annuals to provide stature and variety of texture. It looks particularly good when planted with large-leaved perennials for contrast.

Size: The clumping grass grows to be 7 feet tall with a 4-foot spread.

Where: This adaptable grass is easy to grow in full sun with moist to well-drained soils. It will tolerate sand and clay. Avoid excessive fertilizer and shade or the plant can become floppy in late summer. Allow to stand into the winter as long as the grass looks good, once it is not longer attractive cut to the ground.

Water: If planted in sandy sites, regular summer watering may be necessary to keep this perennial from withering. If planted in other soil conditions, it only needs occasional watering during dry weather.

— Richie Steffen, Great Plant Picks