Chinese silver grass and Feather reed grass are often considered for the same spot in the garden (specimen, screening, flowers). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Miscanthus sinensis 1.8 m × 1.2 m after 10 years
A large, clump-forming, arching ornamental grass sold in a great many cultivars: the dwarfs (such as 'Yakushima Dwarf', 'Adagio', 'Kleine Fontäne')…
Calamagrostis × acutiflora 1.5 m × 60 cm after 10 years
A narrow, strictly upright ornamental grass that flowers as early as the start of summer and keeps its straw-coloured stems standing all winter, so it…
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Feature
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Chinese silver grass
|
Feather reed grass
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Ornamental grass | Ornamental grass |
| Size after 10 years | 1.8 m × 1.2 m | 1.5 m × 60 cm |
| Ultimate size | 0.8–2.7 m × 0.9–1.8 m | 0.8–1.8 m × 45–90 cm |
| Growth rate | Medium | Fast |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy | Average garden soil, Clay |
| Hardiness | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | August–October, silver, pink, red, white | June–August, pink, purple |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
| Planting distance | 100 cm | 60 cm |
| For dogs | no data | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | no data | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €8.90 | approx. €7.90 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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