What soil does Maiden grass 'Gracillimus' grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Is Maiden grass 'Gracillimus' hardy?

Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H7). It gets through winter everywhere at lower altitudes, but may not survive unprotected in a mountain garden.

When does Maiden grass 'Gracillimus' flower?

Flowering: September–October, pink, purple, bronze, silver.

How much water does Maiden grass 'Gracillimus' need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

Maiden grass 'Gracillimus'

Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus'

Maiden grass 'Gracillimus' (Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus') is an ornamental grass. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -23 °C. Drought tolerance: medium.

Illustration of Maiden grass 'Gracillimus' — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Its narrow, arching leaves form a fountain-shaped clump that works well at the back of a border or as a standalone accent. Give it a sunny position, room to expand and well-drained soil. Leave the dry foliage standing through winter, then cut it back in spring before new shoots emerge.

Watch out for

Waterlogged winter soil can damage the crown, and excessive shade can cause the foliage to flop. Flowering is late and may fail after cool or short summers. Older clumps can develop a dead centre and benefit from spring division. The species appears on Switzerland's official list of potentially invasive plants; 'Gracillimus' has low seed set but is not confirmed sterile. Near natural habitats, monitor for seedlings and remove them.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 2 m × 1.2 m
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D September–October, pink, purple, bronze, silver

All details

Group	Ornamental grass
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	2 m × 1.2 m
Ultimate size	1.5–2 m × 0.8–1.2 m
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	September–October, pink, purple, bronze, silver
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	120 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	no data

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 17, 2026 · How our data is made

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