Scout Maiden Grass

Miscanthus sinensis 'M77'

Nature Hills Nursery

Bolt-Upright Form with Variegated White Midribs Blooms a Month Earlier than Gracillimus
Heat Tolerant: Thrives in Zones 5-10
Grows 5-6 ft Tall, 2-3 ft Wide
Showy Pink, White Blooms From Late Summer to Early Fall
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Salt Tolerant

$60⁶⁹

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Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Scout Maiden Grass thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily. While it can tolerate light shade, you will likely see flopping stems and a less upright habit if it does not get enough sun.
Soil: This grass prefers moderately fertile, well-drained soil but is famously adaptable to heavy clay or sandy spots. If you have "gumbo" clay that stays wet, mix in some organic compost to improve drainage, as soggy roots in winter are its only real weakness.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, provide about an inch of water per week to help the deep root system establish itself. Once mature, this variety is quite drought tolerant and usually relies on natural rainfall except during extreme heat waves. Inconsistent watering during the heat of summer can lead to crispy leaf tips or a smaller overall "fountain" shape.

Pruning Tips

Since this grass blooms on new wood and provides great winter interest, wait until late winter or very early spring to prune. Use sharp shears to cut the entire clump back to about 4 to 6 inches above the ground before the new green shoots begin to emerge. Think of it like a buzz cut that clears away the old "hair" so the fresh, green growth has plenty of room and light to grow.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as the new growth starts to peek through the soil. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall because this encourages soft, tender growth that can be easily damaged by the first hard frost. A single application in spring is generally all this efficient grower needs to look its best all season long.

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, Low Maintenance, Deer-resistant, Drought resistant, Heat Tolerant, Slopes/Erosion Control, Hedge/Screen, Container Friendly, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	5-6 ft
Width	2-3 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, White
Foliage Color	Green
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Grass
Botanical Name	Miscanthus sinensis 'M77'
Species	sinensis
Cultivar	M77
Class	Poales
Does Not Ship To	AK, DE, FL, HI, ID, MN, MT, NY, PR

Ornamental grasses are the graceful soldiers of the garden and Scout™ Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'M77') takes a stand in the landscape with its bolt-upright form! Scout™ features glossy green foliage with a variegated white midrib, for a two-tone effect. It just sparkles while swaying in the breeze and sun!

Creating upright fountains in the landscape with slender blades. The variegated form this grass takes accents the incredible summer plumes. In fall foliage often brings out yellow hues to the blades.

The feathery cream-pink blooms rise above the foliage. Turning pale beige and the blooms give your garden fall and winter character. Blooming a month earlier than Gracillimus, Scout™ gives your floral bouquets and your garden a whimsical textural contrast throughout late summer.

How to Use Scout™ Maiden Grass In The Landscape

These are narrow, clumping, and truly impressive specimen plants with 4-season interest! Scout™ lends soft vertical accents and graceful motion. Sized perfectly for columnar privacy and screening hedges, Scout™ creates "Living Walls" for Outdoor Garden Rooms and tranquil privacy.

Naturalizing and prairie mass plantings of Scout™ Ornamental grass plants create erosion control and banks of tranquility, transforming hard-to-mow slopes into something magical. Plus looking lovely to enhance (or hide) the view!

Waving fronds add immense color, texture, sound and motion! The calming Zen provided by softly rustling grasses, plus the mesmerizing swaying are lovely additions to your private spaces. Fine-textured blades create wonderful accents and backdrops when interspersed among mixed-shrub beds. Anchoring perennial borders and softening corners.

Create garden vignettes by planting a curved row of grasses around a focal point, garden seating or sculpture to make them stand out. Their drought tolerance makes these grasses impressive in the Rock Garden!

Glossy Green Foliage & White Midrib On Each Blade
Two-Tone Soft Waving Blades & Tall Narrow Weeping Form
Pinky-Beige Plumes
Fall Color, Sound, Texture, Motion
Upright Winter Interest
Specimen or Hedge & Floral Design & Decor

#ProPlantTips For Care

Strongest and the most dramatic in full sun, these just glow! Imagine seeing the rising or setting sun backlight these fronds from behind is breathtaking!

Adaptable to salt, drought and wet winter soil, these are cold hardy, deer and rabbit-resistant plus, highly pest and disease-free! Miscanthus requires well-drained soil but becomes highly drought-tolerant once established. Easy-to-grow, Maiden Grass is cold hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 10.

Warm-season grasses won't grow until the soil temperature warms so have patience. Prune each year cutting all foliage to just a few inches before growth starts to appear in early spring and remove built-up leaves and debris from the center. The plumes are not fertile so reseeding isn't an issue with Scout™.

Full Sun
Adaptable to Most Well-Drained Soil Types
Hardy Native Selection
Cold & Salt Tolerant
Drought & Wet Soil Adaptable

For a carefree, year-round interest, sound motion and amazing texture plus color for your landscape, you will love Scout™ Maiden Grass! Order yours at Nature Hills Nursery today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Scout Maiden Grass prefer?

Scout Maiden Grass thrives in well-draining soil and tolerates a wide range of conditions from average to poor soils. This adaptable perennial even handles drought conditions once established, making it perfect for rock gardens. Plant in any soil that doesn't stay waterlogged.

How often should I water Scout Maiden Grass after planting?

Water Scout Maiden Grass deeply twice weekly for the first month after planting. Once established, this drought-tolerant ornamental grass needs minimal watering except during extended dry periods. Reduce frequency gradually as roots develop, available at naturehills.com.

Does Scout Maiden Grass require fertilizer?

Scout Maiden Grass thrives without regular fertilization once established. This drought-tolerant ornamental grass actually performs better in average to lean soils, as overly rich conditions can cause the upright clumps to flop. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer only in early spring if your soil is very poor.

Is Scout Maiden Grass invasive or does it self-seed?

Scout Maiden Grass is a clumping, non-invasive ornamental grass that stays put in your landscape. Unlike spreading grasses, it forms neat upright fountains without running or self-seeding aggressively. You can plant it confidently near other perennials without worry about it taking over your garden beds.

What are the best planting times for Scout Maiden Grass?

Plant Scout Maiden Grass in spring after the last frost or in early fall, 6-8 weeks before hard freeze. Spring planting gives the best establishment time for this perennial grass. Shop at Nature Hills for healthy plants ready to create stunning vertical accents in your landscape.

Will Scout Maiden Grass survive winter in zone 5?

Scout Maiden Grass is hardy in zones 5-9 and will survive zone 5 winters reliably. This Miscanthus variety provides 4-season interest, with feathery plumes that turn pale beige and persist through winter. Cut back to 6 inches in late winter before new growth emerges.

What is the shipping size or pot size for Scout Maiden Grass?

Scout Maiden Grass typically ships as a bareroot plant or in a 1-gallon container, depending on season and availability. The shipping size will establish quickly and reach its mature 4-6 foot height within 1-2 growing seasons. Check the product page for current shipping options and sizes available.

When will my shipped Scout Maiden Grass arrive and in what condition?

Scout Maiden Grass ships as a dormant bare-root plant or in containers depending on season and availability. Your plant will arrive healthy and ready to establish in your garden, typically within 7-10 business days via ground shipping. Plant immediately upon arrival and water well to encourage strong root development.

Scout Maiden Grass

Miscanthus sinensis 'M77'