Miscanthus Sinensis Ferner Osten Eulalia Grass

Miscanthus Sinensis Ferner Osten is an RHS AGM-winning deciduous ornamental grass with slender arching leaves that turn orange in autumn, and red flower plumes in summer maturing to silver pink. It suits prairie planting, low-maintenance gardens and sunny mixed borders.

Miscanthus Sinensis Ferner Osten is native to China and there are many varieties. It’s more commonly known as Chinese Silver Grass or Eulalia Far East – Ferner Oster means ‘Far East’ and it’s popular for its clump-forming slender green leaves that mature to shades of orange and brown providing interesting autumn colour.

Before its foliage changes, Eulalia Far East produces dramatic summertime feathery flower panicles. These feathers open deep glowing red before aging to pink and silver. The contrast with its green leaves is vivid and creates a stunning focal point in an informal low maintenance garden.

Height And Spread of Miscanthus Sinensis Ferner Osten
Eulalia Far East can reach a height of 1.5 metres tall and spread a metre over 2-5 years.

How Hardy Is Miscanthus Sinensis Ferner Osten
This is a hardy ornamental grass that survives sub-zero winters if the soil is well-drained. It copes with dry, hot weather and rarely attracts pests.

How To Use Miscanthus Sinensis Ferner Osten
Eulalia Far East is an excellent coastal plant and suits informal low maintenance spaces as well as architectural courtyard gardens and prairie planting. It’s highly versatile and brings plenty of movement, colour and height to flat gardens.
Chinese Silver Grass is popular in Japanese gardens, sensory gardens and wildlife-friendly spaces because birds use the feathery panicles to line their nests. Flower arrangers prize the panicles that bring height to arrangements.
You can grow this ornamental grass in a large well-watered plant container on a sunny balcony, roof terrace or patio but it will need regular water. Be sure to raise the container on feet to ensure its roots are well-drained.

How To Care For Miscanthus Sinensis Ferner Osten
Eulalia Far East will grow in the majority of well-drained to dry soils including chalk and sand. It copes with sheltered or exposed spots but doesn’t like excessive winter wet. Make sure to pick a warm spot as this is a grass that loves full sun. Cover the crown with a layer of mulch or bracken to protect it from the worst of our rain.
Cut away dead foliage and old stems in early spring to make room for air circulation and new growth. Water well until established and mulch it in spring to trap moisture and provide nutrients for the growing year.