University
of Vermont Extension Miscanthus purpurascens
(miss-can' thus)
Common name: Flame Grass
Family: Poaceae, Grass
Height x width: 4-6' tall x 3-4'
Growth rate: moderate to fast, forming large clumps
Foliage: reddish, mostly basal from a central large clump, 3-4' long and to ½" wide, tapered to pointed tip, sharp margins
Flowers: pale pink to reddish terminal panicles 8-10" long, turning tan in fall and long lasting through winter; summer, earlier than many other related cultivars
Hardiness: USDA zones 3-9
Soil: most
Light: sun, less vigorous in part shade
Pests and Problems: none serious
Landscape habit, uses: borders, massed, screens, winter effect of dense panicles, dried cut flowers
Other interest: genus native to eastern Asia; name from the Greek mischos meaning stalk and anthos meaning flowers, refering to the stalked spikelets; one of hardiest cultivars, deserving of more use
Other culture: some species in warm climates may be invasive from seeds, but are not usually in the north as seeds don't mature; a few related species may be very invasive by roots so proper placement is crucial
Propagation: spring division
Sources: many, check your local garden stores, and online catalogs as well
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