Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Miscanthus sinensis 'Gold Bar'
Gold Bar Eulalia Grass
- Family
- Poaceae
- Height
- 3-5 feet tall
- Width
- 2-3 feet wide
- Flower color
- Reddish-bronze plumes
- Foliage color
- Bright green with horizontal golden bands
- Bloom time
- Late summer to fall
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; cut back to the ground in late winter
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 5-9
- Wildlife
- Provides cover for birds and attracts beneficial insects
About this plant
Miscanthus sinensis 'Gold Bar' is a compact, ornamental grass with an unusual variegated pattern, featuring bold, horizontal golden bands across its deep green blades. This distinctive banding adds a lively texture and color contrast, making it a standout choice for adding interest to garden beds and borders. As the growing season progresses, the vivid variegation remains crisp, bringing a touch of brightness to the landscape throughout summer.
In late summer to early fall, 'Gold Bar' produces delicate, airy plumes that rise above the foliage, offering an elegant silvery blush that gradually matures to a soft tan. Bred in Japan, 'Gold Bar' was selected for its unique color pattern and compact growth, making it well-suited for smaller spaces where larger ornamental grasses may be overwhelming. Its versatility and refined appearance make it a popular option for both formal and informal garden settings.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Bird Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Catmint · Coreopsis · Bearded irises · Bee balm · Yarrow · Garden phlox
Design tip
Late flowers extend the season, so set it behind or beside plants that finish in midsummer. Give it open sun and room to fill out, and repeat it in threes or fives so the planting reads as one sweep instead of scattered dots.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
