Garden Goods Direct | Miscanthus Morning Light

Miscanthus Morning Light is a grass cultivar that is noted for its very narrow green leaves with white variegation on the margins. The foliage has an overall silvery appearance. Typically forms an upright, rounded clump of foliage growing 4-6 feet tall. Not much fall color, with blades, eventually turning straw-beige by winter. Elegant, arching white and green variegated leaves, this elegant ornamental grass is noted for its very narrow green leaves with white variegation on the margins, giving off an internal ‘light’ effect. Tiny reddish-copper flowers appear in long tassel-like inflorescences above the foliage in mid to late September, gradually turning into silvery white plumes as the seeds mature. Blooms later than most Miscanthuscultivars. Flower plumes persist well into winter providing good winter interest. Miscanthus Morning Light is a somewhat smaller, more fine-textured version of the popular M. s. ‘Gracillimus’. Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerant of a wide range of soils from well-drained sandy soils to the heavy clays present in much of the St. Louis area. Prefers moist soils. Best in full sun. Less vigorous with decreased flowering and tendency to flop in too much shade. Tolerant of summer heat and humidity. Clumps slowly expand in circumference by short rhizomes, but usually, retain a tight clump shape. ‘Morning Light’ tends to keep its upright shape better than some other Miscanthus cultivars and rarely flops. Foliage should be left standing throughout the winter for visual interest and to provide protection for the crowns. Cut foliage to the ground in late winter just before new shoots appear.