Rigoletto Maiden Grass

Miscanthus sinensis 'Rigoletto'

Nature Hills Nursery

Striking Bi-Color Striped Foliage with Coral-Pink Plumes that Transform to Shimmering Silver
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 4-5 ft Tall, 3-4 ft Wide
Showy Yellow Blooms From Late Summer to Early Fall
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Salt Tolerant

$60⁵⁹

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Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant 'Rigoletto' where it can receive at least six hours of direct sun daily; this warm-season grass thrives on light. While it tolerates partial shade, too much shade will reduce the striking white variegation and may cause the clump to become weak and flop over.
Soil: This grass is highly adaptable but performs best in moist, well-drained soil. If you have heavy clay, amend the area with compost or shredded pine bark to improve drainage, as the roots dislike sitting in consistently soggy ground over winter.

Watering Requirements

Water regularly and deeply during the first growing season to establish a robust root system. Once established, Rigoletto Maiden Grass is quite drought-tolerant, surviving on natural rainfall in many climates. If your summer is very dry or hot, supplementary watering will prevent stress, which can manifest as smaller plumes and scorched leaf tips.

Pruning Tips

As an ornamental grass, 'Rigoletto' blooms on new growth, meaning you should cut back the entire plant to the ground in late winter or very early spring. Leave the attractive tan foliage standing all winter for added interest and crown protection, then cut the whole clump back to about 4 to 6 inches tall before new shoots emerge. The goal is to clear out the old dead material so the new, clean foliage can emerge unimpeded.

Fertilizer Needs

This plant is a light feeder, so resist the urge to over-fertilize. A single, light application of a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring is sufficient to encourage vigorous growth. What to avoid: Do not use high-nitrogen liquid fertilizers in late summer or fall, as this encourages soft growth that is susceptible to early frost damage and can cause the tall stalks to weaken and ultimately flop.

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, Compact/Dwarf, 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	4-5 ft
Width	3-4 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	Yellow
Foliage Color	Green, Other, Variegated
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Grass
Botanical Name	Miscanthus sinensis 'Rigoletto'
Species	sinensis
Cultivar	Rigoletto
Class	Poales
Does Not Ship To	AK, DE, FL, HI, ID, MN, MT, NY, PR

Bi-Color Sparkling Stripes Rigoletto Maiden Grass!

Soft Waving Green & White Foliage
Two-Tone Stripes
Tall Weeping Form
Coral-Pink Plumes Turn Silver
Yellow Fall Color
Cold & Salt Tolerant
Wet Soil Adaptable
Upright Winter Interest
Sound, Texture, Motion
Specimen or Hedge Plant
Hardy Native Warm-Season Grass
Floral Design & Decor

Ornamental grasses add so much to the landscape and Rigoletto Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Rigoletto') really shines! Also called Japanese Silver Grass, these feature strong creamy-white and green stripes along the green blades for a two-tone effect. Lovely swaying in the breeze and shining in the sun!

Creating fountains of foliage that arch and cascades gracefully. Rigoletto's variegated foliage accents the incredible summer plumes. In fall foliage often turns yellow hues to the blades

Emerging coral-pink and rising above the foliage, the plumes turn silver and tan for fall and winter character. This warm-season ornamental grass takes a bit longer to green up in the spring, but it's well worth the wait once the summer and fall foliage appears!

How to Use Rigoletto Maiden Grass In The Landscape

Tall, impressive specimen plants with 4-season interest, Rigoletto lends soft vertical accents and graceful motion throughout the garden.

Naturalizing and prairie mass plantings of Rigoletto create erosion control and banks of tranquility, transforming hard-to-mow slopes into something magical.

Sized perfectly for privacy and screening hedges, Rigoletto creates "Living Walls" for Outdoor Garden Rooms and tranquil privacy. 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 of the plumes are always lovely additions to your private spaces.

The fine-textured clumps create wonderful accents and backdrops when added to the mixed-shrub beds. Anchoring perennial borders and softening corners in foundation plantings. The graceful motion and textures complement informal cottage gardens.

Create garden vignettes by planting a curved row of grasses around a focal point, garden seating or sculpture to make them stand out.

#ProPlantTips For Care

Doing very best in full sun, Rigoletto tolerates some shade but won't be as strong and upright, possibly even falling flat.

Full sunlight also dramatically makes these just glow! Imagine seeing the rising or setting sun backlight these fronds from behind!

Adaptable to salt, drought and wet winter soil, it's impressively hardy, tolerant and resistant! Deer and rabbits rarely bother it plus, Rigoletto is 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 4 through 9.

A warm-season grass, won't start growing until the soil temperature warms up so have a bit of patience. Prune before growth starts to appear in early spring and remove built-up leaves and debris from the center.

Sometimes a plant can do just a bit 'too well' in some parts of the country. Your native plants are protected with Plant Sentry! No need to worry about Nature Hills quality landscape plants becoming an issue in your local habitat because we do all the research for you! Protecting native flora and fauna is our top priority!

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature height and spread of Rigoletto Maiden Grass?

Rigoletto Maiden Grass reaches 4-6 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide at maturity. This warm-season grass forms graceful fountain-shaped clumps that arch and cascade. Allow adequate spacing for its full spread when planting.

How do I plant Rigoletto Maiden Grass, including spacing and depth?

Plant Rigoletto Maiden Grass at the same depth as the container, spacing 3-4 feet apart for individual specimens or 2-3 feet for hedge plantings. This warm-season grass establishes best when planted in spring after soil warms. Shop quality plants at naturehills.com.

Does Rigoletto Maiden Grass need fertilizer, and what kind?

Rigoletto Maiden grass rarely needs fertilizer once established, as ornamental grasses prefer lean soil conditions. Over-fertilizing can cause excessive soft growth that flops over and reduces the plant's natural drought tolerance. Apply a light balanced fertilizer in early spring only if growth seems weak.

How do I prune or cut back Rigoletto Maiden Grass in spring?

Cut back Rigoletto Maiden Grass to 4-6 inches above ground in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Since this warm-season grass greens up later than cool-season varieties, you have plenty of time through March. Use sharp pruning shears or hedge trimmers for clean cuts.

Is the Rigoletto Maiden Grass shipped bare root or potted, and how does it arrive?

Rigoletto Maiden Grass ships as a potted plant, not bare root, ensuring better establishment and survival rates. The established root system allows for planting throughout the growing season. Shop at Nature Hills for healthy, nursery-grown specimens ready to create instant impact in your landscape.

Rigoletto Maiden Grass

Miscanthus sinensis 'Rigoletto'