1 / 5Key characteristics
- Family
- Poaceae
- Height
- 4–5 feet
- Width
- 3–4 feet
- Flower color
- Pink-tinged flowers that mature to white
- Foliage color
- Green with a soft, graceful arch
- Bloom time
- Late summer
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moist, well-drained soil; drought-tolerant once established
- Maintenance
- Prune to 4–6 inches above the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5–9
- Wildlife
- Attracts birds; deer-resistant
Perennials
Miscanthus sinensis 'Adagio'
Adagio Maiden Grass
Miscanthus sinensis 'Adagio' is a compact, ornamental grass known for its graceful, arching foliage and elegant flower plumes. This cultivar features narrow, green leaves that take on a soft, golden hue in the fall, adding seasonal interest to the garden. In late summer to early fall, the plant produces feathery, silvery-pink flower panicles that rise above the foliage, creating a beautiful contrast. These airy flower heads persist into winter, providing visual appeal even after the growing season ends.
Works well in
- Borders
- Sun Gardens
- Bird Gardens
- Waterwise Gardens
- Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Garden phlox · Black-eyed Susans · Daylilies · Lavender · Coreopsis · Russian sage
Design tip
The long summer show pairs well with plants that peak earlier, keeping one area interesting for months. 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 Oregon trial Garden at Monrovia.
More perennials

Helleborus x glandorfensis HGC 'Ice N' Roses Frosted Rose'
Ice N' Roses Frosted Rose Lenten Rose
Blooms cream-colored flowers with a dark pink flower edge
Partial shade to full shade; can adapt to sunnier locations

Primula japonica
Candleabra Primrose
Blooms shades of pink, red, purple, and white
Partial shade

Helleborus x lemperii HGC 'Liara'
Liara Christmas Rose
Blooms light pink and white with darker pink edges
Partial to full shade

Phlox paniculata 'Nora Leigh'
Nora Leigh Garden Phlox
Blooms white to pale pink with a darker pink center
Full sun to partial shade