November Plant of the Month

An unusual, elegant grass that caught my eye at Great Dixter about five years ago. Although it’s hardiness was questioned on the label, I decided to take a risk and bought a plant which I kept in a pot for a couple of years. It’s now planted out and thriving in a sunny, sheltered situation.

I’m pretty certain it’s flowered later this year and the golden seed heads are looking wonderful in the autumn light. They are silken to the touch and arch elegantly, waving around in the slightest breeze.

Native to the Himalayan region, this is a good plant for a small garden, growing to only 1.2m high. Clump forming, it has pale green leaves that are deciduous, but the seed heads will persist throughout winter. 

There’s something charming about Miscanthus nepalensis, which is reflected it’s common name, Himalayan Fairy Grass.