Gracillimus Maiden Grass

Gracillimus Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus')

Gracillimus Maiden Grass is a clump-forming ornamental grass with narrow, arching green blades and a fine, fountain-like habit topped by coppery plumes in late summer to fall. The graceful, upright form adds height, movement, and texture to sunny borders and screens.

Distinctive Features

Elegant, finely textured foliage with a soft white midrib forms a dense vase-shaped clump that holds structure through the season. Late plumes age from copper to silvery tan, extending interest into winter.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for strongest growth and best plumes.
• Soil: Average, well drained soil; adapts to loam, sandy, or clay if drainage is reliable.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist the first season, then water during extended dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9.
• Mature Size: About 5 to 6 ft tall with foliage, 6 to 8 ft with plumes, and 3 to 5 ft wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Tall, arching clumps and airy plumes create a dramatic accent in full sun.
• Screening: Dense foliage provides seasonal privacy and wind filtering.
• Mixed Borders: Adds height and movement among shrubs and perennials.
• Meadows and Naturalistic: Blends well in drifts for late season texture and seedheads.
• Mass Plantings: Repeats form and color along property lines and slopes.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deep soak during dry periods to maintain vigor and plume production.
• Pruning: Cut clumps back to 6 to 10 inches in late winter before new growth emerges.
• Fertilizing: Feed lightly in spring if soils are poor; excess nitrogen can cause flopping.
• Mulching: Apply a 2 inch mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch off crowns.
• Notes: Clump-forming, not running; remove spent plumes before seed matures where self-seeding is a concern.

Why Choose Gracillimus Maiden Grass?

• Refined Texture: Fine blades and airy plumes deliver elegant movement.
• Reliable Structure: Upright clumps hold form through the season.
• Seasonal Interest: Copper to silver plumes and lasting winter presence.
• Versatile: Effective as specimen, screen, or in massed drifts.
• Low Upkeep: Simple annual cutback and occasional watering.

Plant in full sun with well drained soil, water regularly the first season, and cut back in late winter to keep clumps fresh and plumes plentiful.