Species

Miscanthus sinensisChinese Silver Grass

23 other cultivars

grass

Yakushima Dwarf Maiden Grass

Miscanthus sinensis 'Yakushima Dwarf'

The Story

Plant Bio

Clump-forming ornamental grass valued for its graceful, arching foliage and feathery flower plumes that persist through winter.

Dwarf cultivar with a dense habit, ideal for smaller gardens.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds texture and movement to garden spaces with its graceful, arching foliage.

Provides erosion control on slopes and banks.

Supports pollinators and provides habitat for beneficial insects.

SpeciesMiscanthus sinensisChinese Silver Grass

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

36 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late summer – Early fall

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a sunny location with well-drained soil for planting.
Tuck seeds or rhizomes into the soil, ensuring proper spacing for growth.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around roots.
Maintain consistent moisture during the first growing season.
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer for vigorous growth.
Divide clumps every 3–4 years in early spring or late fall to promote health.

Pro Tip

Use mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds around the base.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
Prune back dead or damaged foliage in late winter
Divide clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding
Apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Don’t prune in late fall when plants are actively growing
Never plant in poorly drained soil without amendments
Avoid using chemical herbicides near the plant

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Mulch
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Tall ornamental grass borderSwaying privacy screenTextural accent in perennial beds

Companion Plants

Sedum EchinaceaLavender Russian Sage Daylilies

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Yakushima Dwarf Maiden Grass questions

What zones can Yakushima Dwarf Maiden Grass grow in?

Yakushima Dwarf Maiden Grass is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Yakushima Dwarf Maiden Grass deer resistant?

Yes — Yakushima Dwarf Maiden Grass is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Yakushima Dwarf Maiden Grass bloom?

Yakushima Dwarf Maiden Grass typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Yakushima Dwarf Maiden Grass need full sun?

Yakushima Dwarf Maiden Grass does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Yakushima Dwarf Maiden Grass drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Yakushima Dwarf Maiden Grass handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.