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Key characteristics

Family: Poaceae
Height: 4–6 feet
Width: 3–4 feet
Flower color: Reddish blooms maturing to silvery white
Foliage color: Green with white margins, giving a silvery appearance when backlit
Bloom time: Late summer to early fall
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Drought-tolerant at maturity
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 'Morning Light'

Morning Light Maiden Grass

Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light' is an elegant ornamental grass with narrow, green leaves that are edged with creamy white, creating a delicate variegation. This gives the plant a soft, glowing appearance, especially in the morning sun, which is how it earned its name. In late summer to early fall, 'Morning Light' produces feathery, reddish-copper flower plumes that rise above the foliage, adding an airy texture to the landscape.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Drought-tolerant at maturity

Bloom time

Late summer to early fall

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cottage Gardens
Bird Gardens
Waterwise Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Sedums · Columbines · Lungworts · Daylilies · Japanese anemones · Bleeding hearts

Design tip

Late flowers extend the season, so set it behind or beside plants that finish in midsummer. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.