Maiden Grass

Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus'

Nature Hills Nursery

Graceful Weeping Foliage with Silver Streaks Creates Year-Round Textural Interest
Thrives in Zones 4-9
Showy Pink Blooms From Late Summer to Early Fall
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Salt Tolerant
Stunning Yellow Fall Foliage

$16⁹⁹

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Plant Size

Quart Container #1 Container #2 Container #3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This ornamental grass thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily. While it can handle light shade, the stalks may become floppy and require staking, and you will lose that signature shimmering leaf color.
Soil: It prefers well-drained soil but is quite adaptable to different textures. If you have heavy clay, mix in some organic compost to improve drainage, as "wet feet" during the winter can lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your Maiden Grass twice a week to help the root system reach deep into the soil. Once established, it is remarkably drought tolerant and only needs supplemental water during extreme heat waves. Inconsistent watering during the heat of summer can lead to brown leaf tips and a less vigorous fountain-like shape.

Pruning Tips

Maiden Grass blooms on new wood, so you should cut the entire clump back to about 4 to 6 inches above the ground in late winter or very early spring before new green blades appear. Think of this like a seasonal haircut that clears out the dead "straw" to make room for fresh growth. Removing the old foliage prevents the center of the plant from dying out and keeps the silhouette looking tidy.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once in early spring as soon as you see new green shoots poking through the soil. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages tender new growth that can be easily damaged by the first frost. Over-fertilizing can also cause the grass to grow too tall and fall over, so a light touch is always better.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Drought resistant, Fast-growing, Flowering, Deer-resistant, Evergreen, Attracts pollinators, Disease resistant, Fragrant
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	4-6 ft
Width	3-5 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Compact, Trailing, Upright
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Summer, Fall
Flower Color	Pink, Red
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Grass
Botanical Name	Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus'
Species	sinensis
Cultivar	Gracillimus
Class	Poales
Does Not Ship To	AK, DE, FL, HI, ID, MN, MT, NY, PR

For gorgeous texture, graceful motion, and airy privacy, look no further than Maiden Grass! Also known as Chinese Silver Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus'), this tall clumping ornamental grass features slender, weeping, arching foliage streaked in silver and green!

The tall white flower form fan-shaped plumes that soar above the foliage! After the first frost, the foliage turns a golden-yellow, fading to a grassy tan, sometimes bronze in warmer areas. Use those showy seed heads fresh or dried in bouquets and décor.

A large version of the classic, Maiden Grass has fantastic silvery, striped foliage that seems to glimmer in the sun, catching the slightest breeze. Add motion and sound to aid meditation and relaxation.

Planting and Application:

'Gracillimus' has a lovely arching shape that looks fabulous in long rows or en mass. Fantastic near a pond, accenting the back of borders, and creating informal privacy screens or fast-growing hedges. These are harmonious additions to cottage gardens and easy-care urban plantings from the inner city to the coast! Anchor perennial borders, and mixed-shrub beds and soften foundation corners.

With a hefty mature size, just a single plant becomes an impressive specimen. Instant focal points among other shrubs and evergreens. Naturalized and prairie plantings receive amazing boosts in designer appeal while providing protective cover for wildlife! The plumes and sturdy foliage add winter interest, standing tall through wind and snow.

Soft Waving Green Foliage - Silvery Stripe & Sheen
Sound, Texture, Motion
Tall Weeping Form & White Fan Shaped Plumes
Bronze Foliage in Fall Plus Winter Interest
Specimen, Privacy Hedge, Floral Design & Décor

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Miscanthus requires well-drained soil and is highly drought-tolerant once established. Cold hardy in USDA zones 5-9, get the strongest stems and best blooms in full sun, but it can grow in a bit of shade. A warm-season grass, Maiden grows only after the soil temperature warms up, so be patient. Read more on pruning and caring for ornamental grasses!

Full Sun & Well-Drained Soil
Low Moisture Once Established
Deer & Rabbit Resistant
Disease & Pest Free & Cold Tolerant
Prune Back In Early Spring
Warm Season Grass Greens Up Later In Spring

Sometimes a plant can do too well in some parts of the country. Your native plants are protected with Plant Sentry™! Protecting native flora and fauna is our top priority!

For a carefree, year-round interest, sound motion and amazing texture for your landscape, you cannot do better than Maiden Grass! Order yours from Nature Hills Nursery today!

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Carefree

Love, love this grass all year round. Once it is established, it is easy to maintain. I have 7 planted in a row on a small hill behind my house -- and they never disappoint.

Hi Jean,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Maiden Grass! We’re delighted to hear that they add beauty to your hillside year-round and that maintaining them has been a breeze once established. Planting seven in a row sounds like a striking and serene border—it’s great to know they consistently meet your expectations.

If you ever want to keep them even healthier and lush, a light mulch and occasional pruning in early spring can really give them a fresh start each season. Also, monitoring soil moisture during hot, dry spells helps Maiden Grass stay vibrant throughout the summer.

We truly appreciate you taking the time to let us know how your plants are thriving.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Carefree

Love, love this grass all year round. Once it is established, it is easy to maintain. I have 7 planted in a row on a small hill behind my house -- and they never disappoint.

Hi Jean,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that your Maiden Grass is thriving and that it sounds stunning in a row on the hill behind your house. Maiden Grass is truly a versatile and graceful plant, especially when well-established, and it’s great to know yours never disappoint.

If you ever want to keep your grass looking its best, a light trim in late winter or early spring can help encourage new growth and maintain its nice shape. Also, paying attention to watering, especially in dry spells, will ensure it stays lush and healthy all year long.

We appreciate you sharing your experience with us and hope your Maiden Grass continues to bring a beautiful, carefree touch to your landscape for many seasons to come!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Fall flowers

Maiden grass adds so much motion and beauty in the fall, especially when the wind blows.

Dear City Girl,

Thank you so much for sharing your lovely experience with Maiden Grass! We couldn’t agree more—there’s something truly mesmerizing about those graceful, flowing plumes moving with the breeze in the fall. It’s perfect for adding not only movement but also texture and warm autumn tones to any garden.

If you’re interested in enhancing this natural beauty even further, Maiden Grass thrives best with full sun and well-drained soil. A yearly cutback in late winter helps maintain its vigor and encourages fresh growth in spring. Pairing it with late-blooming perennials or ornamental pumpkins can create stunning fall displays full of color and movement.

If you ever want more planting or maintenance tips, or inspiration for complementary plants, don’t hesitate to reach out. We love helping our customers bring their outdoor spaces to life!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Fall flowers

Maiden grass adds so much motion and beauty in the fall, especially when the wind blows.

Hi City G.,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with maiden grass! We absolutely agree—its graceful movement in the fall breeze truly brings a dynamic charm to any garden. It’s fantastic to hear how it’s enhancing your outdoor space during the season.

If you’re looking to complement your maiden grass, you might consider pairing it with late-blooming perennials or early-spring bulbs for an extended impact. Also, Maiden Grass tends to thrive in full sun with well-drained soil, and giving it a light trim in late winter encourages healthy growth and sidelines wear. If you ever want advice on caring for other seasonal favorites, we’re always here to help!

Happy fall gardening!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Weeping form

Maiden grass is so good looking with the weeping-like grass blades. The more blades it gets, the better it looks.

Dear Helen,

Thank you so much for sharing your lovely thoughts about Maiden Grass! We couldn’t agree more—the elegant, weeping blades really do give this ornamental grass its charming graceful appeal. It’s wonderful to hear how its fullness enhances its beauty in your garden.

If you’re ever interested in tips to help encourage fuller growth, regular pruning in early spring to remove the old blades before new shoots emerge can really promote a denser, more vibrant plant. Also, Maiden Grass thrives best in full sun and well-draining soil, which might further boost that lush look you love.

We’re so grateful you chose to share your experience and hope your garden flourish continues beautifully!

Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Maiden Grass suitable for?

Maiden Grass is cold hardy in USDA zones 5-9. This ornamental grass thrives in full sun with well-drained soil and becomes highly drought-tolerant once established. Plant after soil warms in spring since it's a warm-season grass.

How tall does Maiden Grass grow at maturity?

Maiden Grass typically reaches 4-6 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide at maturity. This impressive size makes it perfect as a specimen plant or privacy screen in zones 5-9. Plan for adequate spacing when planting multiples from Nature Hills.

What soil conditions does Maiden Grass need?

Maiden Grass requires well-drained soil and is highly drought-tolerant once established. It thrives in USDA zones 5-9 and performs best in full sun, though it tolerates some shade. Plant in any well-draining location and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Is Maiden Grass drought tolerant?

Yes, Maiden Grass is highly drought-tolerant once established. This hardy perennial thrives in USDA zones 5-9 and requires well-drained soil to perform best. Plant in full sun and allow time for the root system to develop during the first growing season.

When do Maiden Grass blooms appear?

Maiden Grass produces its signature white fan-shaped plumes in late summer to early fall. As a warm-season grass, it begins active growth only after soil warms in spring, with blooms appearing several months later. Shop at Nature Hills for this stunning ornamental that provides both summer flowers and winter interest.

Is Maiden Grass deer resistant?

Maiden Grass is naturally deer resistant due to its coarse texture and sharp leaf edges that deer typically avoid. This makes it an excellent choice for naturalizing in zones 5-9 where deer pressure is common. Plant it as a privacy screen or specimen to protect more vulnerable plants nearby.

How do I maintain or prune Maiden Grass?

Cut Maiden Grass back to 4-6 inches in late winter before new growth begins. This warm-season grass grows only after soil warms in spring, so early spring pruning won't harm emerging shoots. Leave the attractive plumes standing through winter for seasonal interest and wildlife habitat.

Can Maiden Grass be grown in containers?

Maiden Grass can be grown in containers, but requires large pots due to its hefty mature size. This warm-season grass needs well-drained soil and full sun for strongest growth in zones 5-9. Choose containers at least 24 inches wide to accommodate the clumping root system.

What's the best time to plant Maiden Grass?

Plant Maiden Grass in late spring after soil warms, as it's a warm-season grass that grows only after temperatures rise. In zones 5-9, wait until after the last frost date in your area. Plant when soil is workable and night temperatures consistently stay above 50°F for best establishment.

Maiden Grass

Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus'