Silver Grass 'Yaku Jima'

Fri, 09/11/2009 - 8:12am — Kathy Ormiston

Photo Credit:

Vera Kark

Botanical Name:

Miscanthus sinensis 'Yaku Jima'

Pronunciation:

mis-KAN-thus sih-NEN-sis

Common Name:

Silver Grass 'Yaku Jima'

Plant Type:

Grass

Mature Size:

2 ft. to 3 ft. wide and tall with plumes rising 4 ft. to 5 ft.

Water Requirements:

Low: water every 3 weeks until the root ball is wet

Sun/Shade Requirements:

Full to half sun

Flower Color :

Striking golden plumes in fall

Miscanthus 'Yaku Jima' is a favorite of Roberta Barnes, one of the founders of the Palo Alto Water Wise Demonstration Garden. She has found Miscanthus to be one of the best looking grasses for full sun and low water. There are many cultivars of Miscanthus on the market that vary in size and foliage color including silver and reddish brown. The cultivar 'Yaku Jima' is a U.C Davis All Star plant.

From a design perspective, the delicate foliage and showy plumes of Miscanthus add movement and texture to the garden. The plumes look especially lovely in the fall afternoon light.

We have not experienced any problems with this grass reseeding in the garden. To keep a fresh look, cut Miscanthus to the ground in winter and divide every few years. That is the only maintenance needed for these trouble-free plants. We have found that sometimes Miscanthus takes a year or so to get established in our water wise garden.