Go Back Porcupine Grass

Posted: May 7, 2019 at 4:11 PM
Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus'
Deer Resistant IconRock Garden Icon

Plant Type: Grasses

Similar green and yellow banding like ‘Little Zebra’, but a totally different habit. ‘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.

This grass requires a very long, hot growing season to be able to produce flowers. When it does, they are spectacular pinkish copper plumes that appear in early fall. As the seeds mature, they become fluffy, and are a great accent to the reddish-tan winter foliage.

Miscanthus is versatile from a design standpoint; it can be used as a specimen, for massing or screening, in large containers, or at the pond’s edge. Plant this grass where its wonderful winter interest can be enjoyed.

Currently not available for online purchase.

Growing & Maintenance Tips:

Needs a very hot climate to produce flowers.

Flower Color

Pinkish copper plumes that appear in early fall

Foliage Color

Variegated

Plant Spread

4'-6'

Good Companions

Other grasses and full-sun perennials

Plant Height

4'-6'

Scape Height

NA

Hardness Zone

5

Soil Moisture

Average and consistent water needs

Characteristics & Attributes

Attributes

Unique foliage

Bloom Time

Early Fall

Critter Resistance

Deer

Exposure

Full Sun

Growth Rate

Medium

Seasonal Interests

Summer and fall