Miscanthus or grasses have been seriously revived in recent years as we try to incorporate an element of naturalness in our designed spaces. Miscanthus have the beauty of being both structural and natural, soft and wavy at the same time.
Here miscanthus does just that - miscanthus Gracilllimus creates a great juxtapo
sition between the hard contemporary lines of this courtyard garden and its delicate tender stems.
Miscanthus nepalensis
This variety has a wonderful mix of pale green foliage with long arching stems arising from a shorter plant. There is a lovely green, red and orange glow when the sun hits this plant. Its caramel coloured flowers are gossamer light and sway nicely in the slightest breeze. It differs from other Miscanthus varieties as it is quite well behaved - excellent in a small garden.
Miscanthus Africa
This variety of Miscanthus delights on many different fronts. It is a very attractive plant with striking claret red and deep purple / coppery foliage which lasts well into the winter and up till mid Feb in some places. Soft flower heads are upright and spear like so differ from other varieties. Not as vigorous as other standard Miscanthus - standing at 1.5M tall, it is perfect for most gardens Although not easy to source, once tracked down it is cherished by garden designers and clients alike.
Miscanthus Gracillimus
It’s hard to beat an old favourite. This Miscanthus is called Gracillimus – Maidens Hair. It is one of the best known varieties and has been around for quite a while now.
Clump forming with dense upright gunmetal grey foliage from a narrow base, this is a perfect plant for instant impact as a statement piece in a long border. It has beautiful plumes of flowers which emerge purple or dark pink at first, opening out to fine dusty-pink tipped feathery flowers. It is a lovely plant and great all year. It can look wonderful in deep winter, with birds perching on its frozen fronds.
Miscanthus in a mixed bed from one our recently completed gardens
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