Encore Ornamental Grass

Maiden Grass, Zebra Grass, Korean Silvergrass…the nicknames all point to one spectacular perennial grass for Northern and Southern gardeners alike: Miscanthus sinensis. If you enjoy the plumes of pampas grass but cannot grow it due to being outside its hardiness zone, here is an ornamental grass that will fill your need for a beautiful fountain of grass, and it may even bloom twice a year for you! Developed by Walters Gardens in Michigan, this hardy perennial landscape grass is perfect for creating a specimen to showcase in your landscape, or as a privacy screen, and it even does great in containers on your patio. This hardy grass was developed especially for gardeners with short growing seasons.Native to Eastern Asia, this grass has naturalized throughout much of Asia and is appreciated for its plume like flowers that age to a light tan, creating even winter interest if left unpruned at the end of the season. In the United States it is hardy in Zones 5 to 9. This clump forming grass sends out bronzy purple plumes that sway above bright green strappy leaves with a white stripe down the middle creating a sensational display when highlighted in your landscape. In longer summer regions you may get a second flush of plumes in early fall. Coastal gardeners will appreciate its salt tolerance, and all gardeners will be happy to know that deer and rabbits don’t tend to browse on it either, making it a great addition to your garden bed or lawn.Encore Ornamental CareWhether to grow in full sun or with some light afternoon shade is best determined by the heat of your summer. In Northern gardens, keep it in full sun, and in the hot humid South, give it a location that will afford it some afternoon shade. This hardy grass is tolerant of sandy soil as well as heavy clay soil. It is one of the few perennials that does not require a well draining soil. Water when rainfall is below one inch per week after the plant has become established and more frequently for the first year until established. Fertilizer is not needed. Encore prefers an acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 5.8 to 6.2 for optimal growth.Deadheading is not required to keep your grass in bloom. Leaving the plumes after they have aged to a pleasing tan color will give your grass an attractive two toned look when new flower plumes develop. Also, consider leaving the grass all winter for an attractive texture in your landscape and to allow birds to harvest the seeds. Cut clumps down in late spring before new growth emerges. Mulching is recommended to maintain consistent soil moisture and reduce pressure from weeds as well as protect root zones in harsh winter regions.Encore Ornamental SpacingSpace your grasses 48 inches apart if planting them as a screen or massing them in your landscape. Encore will grow to about 78 inches tall and spread out 48 inches at the top for a beautiful fountain-like appearance. Consider using this lovely grass as an annual in regions warmer or colder than its hardiness range by planting it in a large container for your patio or deck. Any way you use this hardy ornamental grass, you will appreciate its form and color in your landscape.Encore Ornamental Grass InformationUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9Plant Type: Perennial GrassSunlight Exposure: Partial Sun to Full SunMature Height: 6 – 6.5 FeetMature Width: 2 FeetPlant Spacing: 4 FeetGrowth Habit: Upright, ClumpingFlower Color(s): PurpleFlower Shade: Coppery PurpleSeasonal Interest: Early FallFoliage Type: HerbaceousFoliage Color(s): Dark GreenResists: DeerTolerates: SaltFeatures: Cut Flowers, Deadheading Not Necessary, Foliage Interest, Low MaintenanceUses: Border Plant Cut Flower Dried Flower Mass Planting Specimen or Focal PointPlant Brand: Proven WinnersBotanical/Scientific Name: Miscanthus sinensis USPP 29,070