Expert’s choice
Offering reliable structure, colour and movement, this grass is a boon to any garden, says Graham Rice
Marvellous miscanthus
Ornamental grasses seem to prompt two different reactions. On the one hand, their elegance, unique colouring, distinctive habit and the way they meld together happily with so many other plants, create instant appeal, but some people worry they might take over the garden and smother favourite plants. These miscanthus bring us all of the good points of ornamental grasses with none of the bad behaviour, so you’ll be safe with this selection. These are hardy, clump-forming, sun-loving perennials, which will steadily develop into impressive specimens that make an impact even though the height of some is modest. Attractively variegated foliage is a feature of some – none are brash or garish – while many will boast dancing feathery plumes in shades of mahogany, silver or pink in late summer and autumn. Grow miscanthus as specimens; with the sun behind them, the backlighting can be delightful. They are lovely with other autumn perennials, too: think Michaelmas daisies, Japanese anemones, sedums, and even dahlias and large argyranthemums. A dark background, such as an evergreen hedge, helps show off their winter structure well and there’s nothing quite like the plumes rimed in morning frost. Soil Happy in most soils, including moist and dry. Rich soils may promote floppy growth, while drought will reduce size. Position Flowering is most prolific in full sun. Hardiness Rated as RHS H6: hardy in very cold winters, down to -20°C. Care Remove the plumes as they disintegrate and cut back foliage in early spring. Allow clumps to mature into showy specimens. Staking not required. Warning Wear gloves when handling miscanthus as the foliage can be sharp-edged. Where to buy Knoll Gardens, knollgardens.co.uk, 01202 873931; Beth Chatto Gardens, bethchatto. co.uk, 01206 822 007; The Plantsman’s Preference, plantpref.co.uk, 07799 855559