Ornamental grasses `Blowing in the Wind

Texture contrasts are key to the success of planting in our sub-tropic Gulf Coast. Now we all love our Evergreen plants down South, but too much same leaf-same green can get a little monotonous, so… enters the joy of plants with bold texture. And, as much as I love a big leaf plant (Split-leaf Philodendron, Gigantic `Elephant Ear’, Dwarf Red Bananas, yum-m-m), I have found full delight in the Miscanthus `Maiden’s grass’! Can you spot her to the right behind the little brick wall? Her soft, fine texture can boldly take on any leaf texture, big or small, that comes her way!!!

And, she brings life to the garden! The Maiden’s Grass gently dances in the wind (well, except in Hurricane winds, then she looks like she’s hanging on for dear life!), and she sparkles! That’s right! I have her outside my kitchen window, and in the morning, when the dew gently hangs from the tips of her foliage, she looks like she’s holding thousands of prisms refracting the morning light! Spectacular!!! What more can you ask for? She dances and sparkles, great texture… oh, and did I tell you, she blooms!!!

Actually, they’re more like feathery plumes that arrive in late summer, just in time for a great Fall season attraction. And, I personally think the winter form of the Maiden’s grass is delightful! Her foliage and spikey blooms dry to a beautiful taupe color, adding grace to her distinctive arching form. And…are you ready, she’s a low maintenance girl!

Maiden’s grass pefers sun-partial shade and is tolerant of semi-moist soils (but likes it dry). And though she has a fine, soft texture, Maiden’s Grass can become a full bodied girl (up to 5′ ht x 5′ width at maturity), so prune her (blunt cut) to 24-30″ in late February to mid-March (this allows you to enjoy her great winter form), feed her with a balanced garden fertilizer, and in 2-3 weeks…you’ll see her make her Spring debut with her soft, fresh-green foliage! Enjoy!!!