Species

Miscanthus sinensisChinese Silver Grass

23 other cultivars

grass RHS Award

'Kaskade' Japanese Silver Grass

Miscanthus sinensis 'Kaskade'

The Story

Plant Bio

Ornamental grass with attractive feathery plumes and arching foliage.

Notable for its cascading growth habit and colorful plume display.

Uses & Benefits:

Kaskade Miscanthus adds vertical interest with its striking plumes and variegated foliage, perfect for dynamic garden borders.

Provides effective windbreaks and screens, reducing noise and wind speed.

Supports local wildlife by offering shelter and nectar for pollinators.

SpeciesMiscanthus sinensisChinese Silver Grass

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

78 inches

Width

42 inches

Light

Full 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 rhizomes or seedlings into the soil, spacing them 3 feet apart.
Water thoroughly after planting to establish roots, typically for 2 weeks.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity during propagation.
Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer for vigorous growth.

Pro Tip

Divide mature clumps every 3-4 years in early spring to promote healthy growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
Prune back dead or damaged foliage in late winter
Fertilize annually in early spring
Mulch to conserve moisture and control weeds

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Don’t prune in late fall or winter 🌱
Refrain from planting in poorly drained soil
Avoid excessive fertilization which can cause legginess

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Tall ornamental grass in bordersShelter for wildlife with feathery plumesScented background in naturalistic gardens

Companion Plants

Echinacea purpurea Rudbeckia hirta Sedum spp.Lavandula angustifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

'Kaskade' Japanese Silver Grass questions

What zones can 'Kaskade' Japanese Silver Grass grow in?

'Kaskade' Japanese Silver 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 'Kaskade' Japanese Silver Grass deer resistant?

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

When does 'Kaskade' Japanese Silver Grass bloom?

'Kaskade' Japanese Silver 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 'Kaskade' Japanese Silver Grass need full sun?

'Kaskade' Japanese Silver Grass does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is 'Kaskade' Japanese Silver Grass drought tolerant?

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