Pacific Island Silvergrass is a towering ornamental grass native to lowland Pacific island regions, reaching 8 to 12 feet tall with feathery, showy plumes that bloom from August through February. Unlike its smaller relatives, this giant miscanthus features a distinctly coarse foliage and feathery inflorescences with a prominent central rachis, giving it architectural presence in the garden. Hardy in zones 6 through 9, it thrives in full sun and tolerates everything from sandy soils to heavy clay, making it equally at home in rain gardens or as a dramatic backdrop. The plumes are excellent for cutting fresh or drying, and birds are drawn to the mature plants, adding wildlife activity to your landscape.
Full Sun
Moderate
6-9
144in H x 48in W
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High
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Standing 8 to 12 feet tall, Pacific Island Silvergrass commands attention with feathery plumes that persist from late summer through winter, providing structure and movement long after other plants have faded. Its ability to thrive in wet soils sets it apart from other miscanthus species, while the prominent, showy inflorescences with their distinctive central rachis create a different visual effect than the tassel-like flowers of common Miscanthus sinensis. The clumps slowly expand by short rhizomes while maintaining their shape, rarely requiring staking despite their height, and they tolerate both summer heat and the heavy clay soils common to many regions.
Pacific Island Silvergrass serves as a living screen, windbreak, or focal point in rain gardens and landscape designs where its height and persistent winter plumes provide year-round visual interest. The feathery inflorescences are prized for cutting fresh arrangements and drying for dried flower displays, extending the garden's beauty indoors through the colder months. Its tolerance for wet soils and urban conditions makes it valuable in rain gardens and stormwater management landscapes.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Harvest plumes for fresh arrangements once they have fully emerged and the feathery inflorescences have opened, typically from August onward. For dried arrangements, wait until the plumes have matured fully and begun to dry naturally on the plant, then cut stems at their base. The plumes continue to look striking as they dry further in storage.
Cut back clumps in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges, removing the previous year's dried stems and foliage. This renewal pruning encourages vigorous new growth and allows you to enjoy the feathery plumes throughout the winter months before cutting.
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“Miscanthus floridulus is native to lowland areas on certain Asian islands in the Pacific Ocean. As a species, it represents one of the tallest members of the Miscanthus genus and has been selected and cultivated for ornamental gardens precisely because of its dramatic scale and distinctive flowering character. The Missouri Botanical Garden and other institutional collections have documented and preserved this variety, making it available to gardeners seeking tall, structurally significant ornamental grasses.”