Miscanthus sinensis ‘Oktoberfest’
Overview
Uses: Specimen plantings, back of the border, mass plantings, seasonal screening, and cut arrangements.
Benefits: A tall maiden grass with wide green blades that turn rich red-purple from late summer on. Coppery-bronze plumes bloom earlier than many miscanthus and age to cream, standing through winter.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Life Cycle: Hardy Perennial
Growth Habit: Upright, Arching — tall, symmetrical clump.
Bloom Color: Coppery-Bronze plumes aging to Cream
Foliage Color: Green with a white midrib, turning Red-Purple in fall
Mature Height: 6–7 feet
Mature Width: 3–4 feet
Bloom Season: Late summer into fall
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
A tall maiden grass that turns red-purple as summer winds down.
Oktoberfest grows into a symmetrical, upright clump of wide green blades, each marked with a pale midrib. Through most of the summer it reads as a lush, fountain-like screen. Then, from late summer on, the foliage begins to take on rich red and purple tones that deepen as the nights cool.
It also blooms earlier than many maiden grasses. Coppery-bronze plumes rise above the leaves in late summer, which gives them time to open fully even where fall comes early, and they gradually fade to cream. Plumes and foliage stand through much of the winter, adding height and movement to a dormant garden.
At six to seven feet tall in bloom and only three to four feet wide, it makes a strong seasonal screen along a patio, deck, or property line, a bold specimen at the corner of a bed, or a tall backdrop for late perennials like asters and sedum. The plumes and arching stems are also good for cutting.
Care
Oktoberfest Maiden Grass Care
Plant in full sun to partial shade. Full sun gives the strongest fall color and the sturdiest clump; in partial shade it grows a bit looser.
Maiden grass grows in most average, well-drained soils, including clay, and tolerates moist ground better than many ornamental grasses. Very rich soil produces soft growth that is more likely to lean.
Water deeply once a week through the first growing season while roots establish. Established clumps handle dry spells well, though they look best with water during long droughts.
Fertilizer is rarely needed. In poor soil, a light application of a slow release fertilizer in spring is enough.
Leave the foliage standing through winter. In late winter or early spring, before new shoots appear, cut the clump back to four to six inches. After several years the center may thin out; divide the clump in spring and replant the healthy outer sections. In some regions maiden grass can seed into nearby areas, so remove the plumes before they shed in late fall if self-sown seedlings are a concern.
Size
What Size is the Oktoberfest Maiden Grass for Sale Online?
Our Oktoberfest Maiden Grass ships in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and is appropriately sized for its container at the time of shipment. Plants ship dormant or cut back in the off-season, so they may arrive without green foliage. If you have specific sizing or planting questions, please contact us.
How Large Does Oktoberfest Maiden Grass Grow?
Expect about 6 to 7 feet tall in bloom and 3 to 4 feet wide at maturity, in an upright, arching clump. Space plants about 3 to 4 feet apart for a seasonal screen.
Additional Information
What are some common names for this plant?
- Maiden grass
- Chinese silver grass
- Eulalia
Can I cut the plumes for arrangements?
Yes. Cut stems just as the plumes begin to open for fresh arrangements, or let them open fully and dry on the plant for dried arrangements. Leave plenty on the clump if you want winter interest in the garden.
Will it screen a view?
From midsummer until it is cut back in late winter, a row of clumps makes a dense, tall screen. Like all deciduous grasses it is cut to the ground once a year, so it screens seasonally rather than year-round. For more tall grasses, see our Ornamental Grasses.
Do deer eat maiden grass?
Deer rarely bother maiden grass, and the mature blades are tough and coarse to browse. No plant is completely deer-proof, but it is a dependable choice for sites with deer pressure. See more Deer-Resistant Perennials and Grasses.
