Product Description
Miscanthus 'Purpurascens' (30)ct Flat
Common Name: Grass-Ornamental, Flame Grass
One of the very best Miscanthus cultivars available today. It's fantastic fall color, upright habit, early flowering time, and extreme cold hardiness have certainly earned it this recognition.
From early to midseason, the leaves are a pleasant grey-green. In the fall, they turn a brilliant reddish orange, hence the name 'Flame Grass'. The seed heads begin to appear in late summer with magenta hues. As winter approaches, they transform into silky white panicles which are especially lovely when backlit by the early morning or late afternoon sun.
M. 'Purpurascens' is easy to grow, though it is not drought-tolerant and suffers in extreme heat. Supplemental watering and placement in partial shade will help offset any heat stress. This ornamental will grow in almost any soil, from loose sand to heavy clay, and does not require good drainage. Fertilization is not necessary either. Divide this in spring or early summer to give it time to establish its roots before winter arrives. Only in the mildest of climates should this be divided in the fall.
Not available for shipment to NY
Height: 4 - 6 Feet
Spread: 2 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: White shades
Foliage Color: Variegated
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Poor to Average Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Summer
Deer Resistant
Seasonal Interest: Dried Seed Heads, Fall Color
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Foliage, Dried Flower, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant, Specimen, Focal Point
Miscanthus 'Purpurascens' is a fantastic ornamental grass that is prized for its upright habit, fiery fall color, and cold hardiness. It is a cultivar of Miscanthus sinensis, also known as maiden grass or Eulalia grass, and is a popular choice for adding texture, movement, and seasonal interest to gardens. Here is a closer look at its key features:
Appearance:
- Upright Form: 'Purpurascens' has a strong, upright growth habit, forming a dense clump of foliage that reaches about 4 to 5 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide.
- Green Summer Foliage: The leaves are a fresh green color throughout the summer, providing a lush backdrop for other plants.
- Fiery Fall Color: In autumn, the foliage transforms into a brilliant reddish-orange, living up to its common name, "Flame Grass."
- Magenta Seed Heads: In late summer, large, feathery, creamy-pink seed heads emerge, adding another layer of texture and interest. The seed heads persist into fall and winter, providing visual appeal even after the foliage fades.
Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Thrives in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) for the best color development and flowering. It can tolerate some light shade, but the fall color may be less intense.
- Soil: Adaptable to a wide range of soils but prefers well-drained conditions.
- Hardiness Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4-9, making it a cold-hardy choice for many gardeners.
Care:
- Low Maintenance: 'Purpurascens' is a relatively low-maintenance grass.
- Cutting Back: Cut back the foliage to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
- Dividing: Divide clumps every few years in spring to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.
Uses:
- Borders: Adds height, texture, and seasonal interest to borders and beds.
- Specimen Plant: Can be used as a focal point in the landscape.
- Mass Plantings: Creates a dramatic effect when planted in groups.
- Screens and Hedges: Can be used to create a screen or hedge for privacy.
- Naturalizing: Its vigorous growth makes it suitable for naturalizing in areas where it can spread.
- Erosion Control: The strong root system helps to control erosion on slopes and banks.
Additional Information:
- Attracts Wildlife: The seed heads provide food and shelter for birds and other wildlife.
- Deer Resistant: Deer tend to avoid Miscanthus.
- Cold Hardy: It is one of the most cold-hardy Miscanthus cultivars, making it a good choice for northern gardens.
If you are looking for a beautiful and reliable ornamental grass with a strong upright habit, fiery fall color, and cold hardiness, Miscanthus 'Purpurascens' is an excellent choice. It is a versatile plant that can be used in various garden settings and will provide long-lasting beauty and interest.
Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 4.25 inches deep x 2 inches wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
