My Fair Maiden Maiden Grass

My Fair Maiden Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'NCMS1')

My Fair Maiden Maiden Grass is a tall, columnar ornamental grass with long green to yellowish blades that create strong vertical lines and airy movement. Towering late season plumes and durable foliage extend interest into winter for bold structure in sunny plantings.

Distinctive Features

Upright, narrowly columnar habit reaches impressive height with fine textured blades that sway in the breeze. Late season flowers mature to silvery tan and persist for winter effect, while clump forming growth stays put without running.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for strongest growth, plumes, and stance.
• Soil: Average, well drained soil; adapts to loam, sandy, or clay with drainage.
• Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established, with occasional deep watering in extended dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9.
• Mature Size: About 8.5 ft tall and 4 to 5 ft wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Tall, columnar clumps and plumes create a commanding accent.
• Screening: Dense seasonal cover for privacy and wind filtering.
• Mixed Borders: Adds height, motion, and late season texture among perennials and shrubs.
• Specimen: Stands alone for strong vertical emphasis in open beds.
• Mass Plantings: Repeats form and movement along drives and property lines.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep evenly moist the first season; deep soak during prolonged droughts thereafter.
• 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: Deer and rabbits typically avoid this grass; remove spent plumes before seed matures where self seeding is a concern.

Why Choose My Fair Maiden Maiden Grass?

• Vertical Drama: Narrow columnar habit delivers strong lines and height.
• Season Spanning Interest: Plumes and foliage persist for winter display.
• Low Input: Drought tolerant once established with simple annual cutback.
• Design Versatility: Effective as specimen, screen, or in repeated drifts.
• Clump Forming: Non running habit stays where planted and is easy to manage.

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.