Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

miscanthus purpurascens

Miscanthus purpurascens, often known as Flame Grass, is a striking ornamental grass prized in New Zealand gardens for its bold autumn colour and easy-care nature. With upright green foliage that turns brilliant shades of red, orange, and purple in autumn, Miscanthus purpurascens brings a touch of drama to borders, modern landscapes, and large containers. This grass is perfect for gardeners seeking a reliable, low-maintenance plant that offers year-round interest and movement. Discover why Miscanthus purpurascens is growing in popularity across Kiwi gardens and how you can make the most of its vibrant beauty.

Miscanthus Morning Light growing as a clump with variegated leaves.

Miscanthus 'Morning Light'

Miscanthus 'Morning Light' (Maiden Grass) is a refined ornamental grass valued for its fine narrow foliage edged with silvery white. This elegant variety brings light movement and texture to New Zealand gardens and performs reliably across many regions. Its upright graceful habit makes it ideal for borders mass planting and feature positions. Low maintenance and visually striking this grass adds year round interest to both modern and traditional landscapes.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Riparian
An elegant Miscanthus sinensis grass with cream-coloured flower plumes and lush green foliage.

Miscanthus sinensis

Miscanthus sinensis is an ornamental grass that grows as a clump of narrow, arching, green leaves. The colouring gives a light silver-green effect to the foliage, hence the common name, Japanese Silver Grass. Tall spikes of plum-like flowers are borne in summer, which are cream with a pink tone as they grow to 1.5 m tall and 1 m wide. Miscanthus sinensis is commonly included in mixed plantings, planted around a water feature, used as a backdrop for other plants, or included in borders.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Riparian
Zebra grass (Miscanthus 'Zebrinus') leaves with cream and green stripes.

Miscanthus 'Zebrinus'

Miscanthus 'Zebrinus' (Zebra Grass) is a striking ornamental grass recognised for its bold horizontal yellow banding across arching green leaves...

From$21.53
Miscanthus 'Morning Light'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Miscanthus, or related Categories - Grasses.

Search miscanthus purpurascens

The Beauty of Miscanthus purpurascens

Miscanthus purpurascens grows in neat, arching clumps of slender leaves, reaching up to 1.5 metres tall. In summer, it sends up silky, pinkish flower plumes that gently sway in the breeze. As autumn arrives, the true show begins, with foliage shifting from green to luminous shades of copper and burgundy. This seasonal transformation creates a compelling focal point, whether planted en masse or as a specimen plant.

Growing Conditions and Care

This versatile ornamental grass thrives best in full sun but will also tolerate partial shade. Miscanthus purpurascens prefers free-draining soil, though it's remarkably adaptable and copes well with clay once established. It handles coastal conditions and is tolerant of drought once mature, making it an excellent choice for the diverse climates found throughout New Zealand. Maintenance is simple: just cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring to allow for lush new growth.

Design Uses in the New Zealand Garden

Use Miscanthus purpurascens to add height, structure, and colour contrast to mixed perennial borders or as a natural privacy screen. Its upright form is perfect for contemporary garden designs and urban spaces. The vivid autumn hues are especially effective when paired with late-flowering perennials or other ornamental grasses. For mixed plantings, consider combining Miscanthus purpurascens with other eye-catching varieties such as Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus', Miscanthus 'Morning Light', or Miscanthus 'Zebrinus', each offering unique foliage textures and colours.

Related Miscanthus Varieties

If you’re inspired by the dramatic appearance of Miscanthus purpurascens, explore other popular Miscanthus options available from our nursery. Miscanthus sinensis features stately form and feathery plumes, while Miscanthus Gracillimus is admired for its fine, arching foliage. Each offers its own unique character for gardens of all styles and sizes.

Shop Miscanthus purpurascens in New Zealand

Ready to add Miscanthus purpurascens to your outdoor space? Order your plants from our trusted New Zealand nursery for healthy, robust specimens. Whether you’re revitalising your borders or designing a new planting scheme, this flame-coloured grass is sure to impress. Enhance your landscape with the bold beauty and easy care of Miscanthus purpurascens and transform your garden this season.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Our garden favourites Sambucus nigra and Gardenia radicans get lots of love, but don’t miss out on a few lesser-known delights: Cornus 'Cherokee Princess', Nashi Nijisseiki, and Hydrangea 'Candlelight'.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

429 Google reviews