Miscanthus sinensis Morning Light

Miscanthus Sinensis Morning Light or Eulalia Morning Light
Miscanthus sinensis Morning Light, also called Eulalia Morning Light or Maiden Grass, is a relatively compact and very graceful deciduous ornamental grass. Each green grass blade features a white mid-range that gives it the appearance of being lit by sunlight. In the late autumn months, the variegated leaf blades change to a golden hue. As winter arrives the leaf blades turn a bronze shade. Tiny pinkish-red tinged flowers appear in long erect panicles that erupt from the mound in autumn. The blooms can be dried and used in floral arrangements. The flowers fade to a silvery white and persist on the grass into the winter months providing ongoing visual interest. 
 
The finely textured graceful leaf blades of Eulalia Morning Light grow in a mounding habit that reaches a height of 2 to 3 metres and a width of 1 to 2 metres. In the spring months, the mounds of the Miscanthus sinensis can be divided for transplanting to other locations in the garden. Miscanthus sinensis Morning Light is exceptionally hardy and tolerant of a wide variety of conditions. However, for optimum growth, this grass does best when planted in fertile soil in a location that offers full sun or partial shade. It is not picky about pH and will grow in alkaline, neutral or acidic conditions. 
 
A survivor, Maiden Grass Morning Light withstands heat and humidity well once established. It prefers moderately moist soil conditions but can live through periods of drought. It is also an ideal ornamental grass choice for coastal areas because salt spray doesn’t appear to harm the plant. The grass is rabbit and deer resistant which makes it ideal in a woodland garden setting. It does draw a wide array of birds to the garden who enjoy nesting in its dense growth. 
 
To encourage new growth, the grass may be cut to the ground in late winter before spring arrives. However, it generally requires very little care to thrive. 
 
The origins of Maiden Grass can be traced back to its native habitat in Japan. In 1976, Miscanthus Sinensis was introduced to the United States by the National Arboretum and quickly became a favourite garden ornamental. In 2001, the Miscanthus sinensis Morning Light received the much coveted Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. 

Miscanthus sinensis Morning Light makes a graceful accent grass, border plant, or screen when planted in groups. During the winter months, it creates visual interest and colours that stand out in stark contrast with many other types of plants that typically fade when the cold sets in.