Miscanthus sinensis 'Encore'
‘Encore’ is a perfect choice for northern climates, where the growing season is shorter. Since it blooms so early, this ornamental grass has a chance for an encore performance, shooting up a secondary flush of coppery purple plumes before frost hits. Blooming starts in late summer to early fall and lasts until mid-fall. The flowers turn to a creamy tan color with age. This perennial forms a tall, upright clump of dark green leaves with white midribs. Before blooming, this plant stands around 4½’ tall. Be sure to leave this grass standing so it can provide winter interest through the snowy months.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus' Porcupine Grass
'Porcupine Grass' is an upright, stiff grass whose leaves stretch skyward like porcupine spines, thus the name.
Distinctive yellowish-white, horizontal banding on the green leaves of this cultivar seem to glow when backlit by the early morning or late afternoon sun.