Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Kitten'
grass

Little Kitten Chinese Silver Grass

Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Kitten'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

30 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

The Story

Plant Bio

A compact ornamental grass with fine-textured foliage and plume-like flowers. Noted for its small size and unique, fluffy flower heads that turn silvery in autumn.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides elegant, feathery texture to gardens, especially in sunny spots.
Practical UsesReduces soil erosion and acts as a natural windbreak.
Ecological BenefitsSupports local pollinators and habitat for birds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a sunny spot with well-drained soil for planting.
  2. Tuck rhizomes 1-2 inches deep in early spring for best growth.
  3. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots.
  4. Mist cuttings if propagating via division in spring or fall.
  5. Thin out crowded clumps annually to promote airflow and growth.
  6. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Divide mature clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water consistently during dry periods 🌱
  • Prune back in late winter to shape and remove dead foliage
  • Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring
  • Mulch annually to conserve moisture

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
  • Do not cut back in late fall—wait until early spring
  • Never plant in poorly drained soil
  • Avoid heavy fertilization in late summer

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Divide
Fertilize
Harvest
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Tall ornamental grass for privacy screensSilver-foliaged border for textureSoftening hardscape edges

Companion Plants

Echinacea Sedum Lavender Rudbeckia Achillea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Little Kitten Chinese Silver Grass questions

What zones can Little Kitten Chinese Silver Grass grow in?

Little Kitten Chinese 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 Little Kitten Chinese Silver Grass deer resistant?

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

When does Little Kitten Chinese Silver Grass bloom?

Little Kitten Chinese 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 Little Kitten Chinese Silver Grass need full sun?

Little Kitten Chinese Silver Grass does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Little Kitten Chinese Silver Grass drought tolerant?

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

Keep exploring

Grow Little Kitten Chinese Silver Grass with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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