Miscanthus sinensis 'Ferner Osten' – A Tall, Elegant Grass with Striking Silver Plumes
Miscanthus sinensis 'Ferner Osten', commonly known as Maiden Grass, is an ornamental grass that brings stunning texture, height, and movement to gardens. Growing to a height of 1.5 meters , this majestic grass makes a dramatic statement in the garden, especially when planted in borders or as a focal point. Known for its graceful, arching form, 'Ferner Osten' stands out with its silvery, plume-like flowerheads that appear in late summer and last through fall.
The foliage is finely textured, with narrow green blades that create a soft, billowing appearance. As the season progresses, the flowerheads take on a silvery-white hue, adding a touch of elegance and shimmer to the landscape. These beautiful, airy plumes persist into the winter, offering visual interest and movement in the garden long after other plants have faded. Its vertical growth habit and attractive foliage make it an excellent plant for creating structure, height, and seasonal interest in a variety of garden settings.
Why Grow Miscanthus sinensis 'Ferner Osten'?
Striking Silvery Plumes – The large, silvery flowerheads that appear in late summer provide an elegant and dramatic display, creating movement and interest in the garden.
Vertical Form – 'Ferner Osten' grows tall and upright, making it perfect for adding height and structure to borders or as a focal point in the landscape.
Ultimate Height: 1 - 1.5m
Ultimate Spread: 0.5 - 1m
Year-Round Interest – The plant’s plumes persist into the winter, offering a beautiful, feathery effect even after the growing season ends. Its foliage also turns a soft golden hue in the fall, adding color to your garden.
Low Maintenance – Hardy and easy to grow, this ornamental grass requires minimal care, making it ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Attracts Wildlife – The flowerheads of Miscanthus sinensis 'Ferner Osten' attract birds, providing food and shelter in the cooler months.
Planting & Care Guide
Position: Miscanthus sinensis 'Ferner Osten' thrives in full sun to partial shade. However, for the best flower and foliage display, plant it in a sunny location where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Soil: Prefers well-drained soil, and it is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and slightly acidic to neutral soils. While it can tolerate a range of conditions, it performs best in fertile, moist but well-drained soil.
Watering: Water regularly when newly planted to establish strong roots. Once established, 'Ferner Osten' is relatively drought-tolerant but will benefit from watering during prolonged dry spells to maintain healthy growth and plumes.
Maintenance:
Pruning – Miscanthus sinensis 'Ferner Osten' benefits from being cut back in early spring, just before the new growth begins. Cut the previous season’s foliage back to the ground to make way for fresh shoots.
Mulching helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the plant’s roots from temperature extremes. Apply a layer of mulch in late fall to help protect the roots during the winter months.
Fertilizing is usually not necessary if planted in fertile soil, but a light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring can encourage vigorous growth and larger plumes.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Miscanthus sinensis 'Ferner Osten' pairs beautifully with other grasses like Pennisetum (Fountain Grass) or Calamagrostis (Feather Reed Grass) to create a textural contrast. For a naturalistic look, combine it with perennial flowers such as Echinacea, Rudbeckia, or Sedum to enhance the vertical form of the grass while providing a burst of color. It also complements shrubs like Spiraea or Hydrangea, where its fine texture contrasts beautifully with the broader foliage of the shrubs.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.