Silver Feather Grass
Grow 6-foot silvery plumes: drought-tolerant, low-care, beautiful through the seasons
About Silver Feather Grass
Silver Feather Grass is a warm-season ornamental grass prized for its towering silvery-pink plumes that emerge in late summer and mature to silvery-white through fall. Growing 6 to 8 feet tall including flower plumes, it provides vertical structure, privacy screening, and strong seasonal interest. A classic choice that reaches its full size over two to three seasons.
This site covers everything you need to grow Silver Feather Grass successfully. You'll find guidance on planting in full sun and average moisture, managing its growth habit, seasonal maintenance including the late winter cutback, and troubleshooting common problems. We also help you source healthy plants and use this grass effectively in landscape design.
Buy Silver Feather Grass
Nursery-grown plants shipped in their container, with our planting and care guides to go with them.
From $49.49
Sizes: Quart Plant
Shop Silver Feather GrassQuick facts
- USDA zones
- 5-9
- Mature height
- 6-8 ft including flower plumes (foliage clump typically 3-4 ft, plumes rise 2-4 ft above);
- Mature width
- 3-4 ft, occasionally to 5 ft at full spread
- Sun
- full sun for best flowering and upright habit; tolerates light/part shade but may flop and
- Water
- average to medium, consistent moisture especially first year; drought tolerant once establ
- Bloom time
- late summer into fall, roughly August through October depending on region
- Bloom color
- silvery-pink to coppery plumes that mature to silvery-white
- Growth rate
- fast once established, gaining roughly 1-3 ft of height per growing season; slower and clu
- Deer resistance
- good to high resistance
- Plant type
- warm-season ornamental grass (clump-forming herbaceous perennial)
- A classic Miscanthus (Maiden Grass) cultivar prized for silvery-pink plumes in late summer
- Reaches 6-8 ft tall in bloom but starts small and fills in over 2-3 seasons
- Full sun and average water keep it upright; too much shade or fertilizer causes flopping
- Cut back hard in late winter before new growth starts
- Deer-resistant and low-pest, but check local rules as Miscanthus can self-seed in some regions
- Strong winter interest, plumes and tan foliage often left standing through the season
Growing guides
Core guideSilver Feather Grass Care: The Complete Growing Guide
Complete growing guide for Silver Feather Grass. Learn planting, care, watering, pruning, and troubleshooting for Miscanthus sinensis 'Silbe
Core guideHow to Plant Silver Feather Grass: Site, Timing and Tips
Learn how to plant Silver Feather Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberfeder') in spring. Site selection, timing, spacing, and step-by-step pla
Core guideSilver Feather Grass Buying Guide: What Size to Choose
Buy Silver Feather Grass at the right size: compare containers, grades, and nursery options. From quart to #3 pots—find your perfect match.
Core guideSilver Feather Grass Hardiness Zones: Where Will It Grow?
Where does Silver Feather Grass grow? Learn about zones 5-9 hardiness and regional planting tips for Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberfeder'.
Core guideHow Big Does Silver Feather Grass Get? Size and Growth Rate
Silver Feather Grass reaches 6 to 8 feet tall at maturity. Learn exactly how tall it grows, mature width, growth rate, and spacing details.
Core guide15 Landscape Ideas for Silver Feather Grass in Your Yard
15 landscape design ideas for Silver Feather Grass: specimen plants, privacy screens, borders, and companion plantings with spacing and timi
Core guideSilver Feather Grass Sun Requirements: Full Sun or Shade?
Learn how much sun Silver Feather Grass needs. Full sun requirements, shade tolerance, and site evaluation tips for Miscanthus sinensis 'Sil
Core guideWatering Silver Feather Grass: Establishment to Maturity
Learn how to water Silver Feather Grass from planting through maturity. Watering schedule, drought tolerance tips, and seasonal care.
Core guideBest Soil for Silver Feather Grass: Drainage and pH Needs
Learn the best soil for Silver Feather Grass: drainage needs, pH range (5.5-7.5), and step-by-step amendments to support healthy growth.
Core guideWhen and How to Cut Back Silver Feather Grass
Learn when and how to cut back Silver Feather Grass for healthy regrowth. Step-by-step pruning guide for Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberfeder'.
Plant specificSilver Feather Grass Bloom Time: Plumes From Summer to Fall
When do silver feather grass plumes appear? See bloom times by zone, plume colors, and tips for extending this spectacular late-season displ
Core guideSilver Feather Grass Problems: 9 Pests, Diseases and Fixes
Fix silver feather grass problems and diseases. Guide to treating pests, rust, stem flopping, and more on your Miscanthus silberfeder.
Silver Feather Grass questions
How big does Silver Feather Grass get?
Expect a clump around 3-4 ft wide with foliage 3-4 ft tall, and flower plumes pushing total height to roughly 6-8 ft in late summer and fall.
Does Silver Feather Grass need full sun?
It performs best in full sun; part shade is tolerated but can result in fewer blooms and floppier stems.
When should I cut back Silver Feather Grass?
Leave the foliage and plumes standing for winter interest, then cut the clump back to about 4-6 inches in late winter or very early spring before new growth begins.
Is Silver Feather Grass invasive?
The species it's bred from, Miscanthus sinensis, can self-seed and is considered invasive in parts of the eastern US; this cultivar produces less viable seed than the wild species but gardeners in those regions should check local guidance.
Can Silver Feather Grass grow in a container?
It can be grown in a large container for a season or two, but given its mature size it's best suited to an in-ground planting long-term.