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miscanthus sinensis strictus

Miscanthus sinensis strictus, also known as Porcupine Grass, is a striking, architectural ornamental grass prized by New Zealand gardeners for its distinctive golden horizontal banding and upright form. Unlike many large grasses, this variety maintains a neat, tall habit with bold stripes across its green leaves, making it a standout in modern landscaping schemes, native gardens, and mixed borders. It’s highly valued for its year-round interest, low maintenance requirements, and ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions.

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...

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Nyssa sinensis (Chinese Tupelo)

Commonly known as Chinese Tupelo, this is a handsome, deciduous tree grown for its fantastic form and striking autumn colours. Leaves emerge a fresh...

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Cedrela sinensis Flamingo (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo is a highly colourful, deciduous tree featuring bright, salmon-pink foliage in spring which ages to cream-yellow, and then...

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Hibiscus rosa-sinensis bright red flower.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis features bright red flowers and lush foliage. The stunning blooms on this tropical Hibiscus are borne constantly through...

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Miscanthus 'Morning Light'

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cedrela, Hibiscus Miscanthus and Nyssa, or related Categories - Grasses, Deciduous Shrubs Evergreen Shrubs and Deciduous Trees.

Search miscanthus sinensis strictus

Why Plant Miscanthus sinensis strictus?

Miscanthus sinensis strictus is perfect for gardeners seeking a bold vertical accent or a dynamic backdrop in the landscape. It grows to around 1.8m to 2m tall, forming a dense clump of upright stems that remain tidy and contained. This grass turns golden tan in autumn, extending visual interest through winter, while fine, silky flower plumes rise above the foliage in late summer. Its strong structure makes it a useful natural privacy screen or windbreak for exposed sites, and it provides shelter and habitat for beneficial wildlife.

Planting and Care

Miscanthus sinensis strictus is reliable and robust, even for beginner gardeners. Choose a sunny site with well-drained soil—this grass tolerates light frosts, wind, and coastal conditions typical of many New Zealand locations. Water well after planting, but once established, it requires little attention apart from an annual cutback in late winter before the new growth appears. Add mulch around the base to keep roots cool and suppress weeds. With its clump-forming nature, there’s no risk of it becoming invasive in your garden.

Design Ideas and Combinations

The bold striping of Miscanthus sinensis strictus complements green shrubs, flowering perennials, and other striking ornamental grasses. For an eye-catching foliage combination, try pairing it with Miscanthus 'Zebrinus', which also features banded leaves but with distinctive arching stems. For a softer, more refined look, Miscanthus Gracillimus offers narrow foliage and elegant flower plumes, while Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus' introduces cream-striped leaves for extra brightness. Don’t forget the graceful Miscanthus 'Morning Light', a feathery, fine-leaved variety that pairs beautifully in borders or mass plantings.

Related Miscanthus Varieties

If you’re interested in discovering more ornamental grasses from the Miscanthus family, explore Miscanthus sinensis, a versatile species with many striking cultivars to suit any design. Whether you want bold contrast or elegant movement, there’s a Miscanthus for every landscape.

Buy Miscanthus sinensis strictus in New Zealand

Our nursery specialises in field-grown Miscanthus sinensis strictus, carefully selected for vigorous growth and resilience. Order online or visit us in-store to choose top-quality grass for your next landscape project. With professional advice and a wide range of Miscanthus sinensis varieties—including Miscanthus Gracillimus, Miscanthus 'Morning Light', and Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus'—you can create the perfect textured, year-round garden display.


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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.

There’s more to explore beyond Magnolia stellata Waterlily and Lomandra Lime Tuff — like the subtle beauty of Plum Satsuma, Dianella Blue Twist, and Arctotis 'Mauve Delight' (African Daisy).
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