Miscanthus sinensis ‘Arabesque’

We are constantly re-evaluating the plants we grow – are we not? Is this one rather too enthusiastic?  Is that one turning out to be taller than you expected? Why doesn’t that one flower reliably? And why does that one need staking when really it should be able to fend for itself? In our garden, after the trees, the plants that receive the most scrutiny (before and after buying) are the grasses, and this is mostly because if you choose the wrong one, especially the larger specimens, their removal (or division) can involve half a day’s work with a small excavator!

‘Arabesque’ is a refined grass and would be a very good choice for a smaller garden. You will read everywhere that it needs full sun – it doesn’t! Ours grows in partial shade for most of the day, and it  performs well. It has formed a graceful, open clump of mid-green foliage with an all-important central white stripe, and it’s very effective as a focal point in the border. I find it’s best grown away from other grasses. It’s also particularly floriferous – numerous sandy-pink plumes are held well above the foliage which fade as they age. The clump remains upright and very attractive throughout the winter.

This little-grown miscanthus is hardy and reliable and well worth seeking out. The top of the flowers are at my eye level so it’s not too tall (1.6m) and if you don’t think you can fit another grass into your planting scheme, it looks great in a container.

NB Louise has published a beautifully produced book of her plant profiles – A Plant for Each Week of the Year. It costs £9.99 and is for sale in our online shop here.

More NB If you’re not already a subscriber and you’d like a bit more gardening chitchat from the3growbags, please type your email address here and we’ll send you a new post every Saturday morning.

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