Foliage Color:  Green

Fragrant Foliage:  No

Attracts:  Birds, Visual Attention

Resistances:  Cold Temperatures (-10F), Deer - more info, Disease, Drought (moderate when established), Heat, Humidity, Insect

About as ornamental as an ornamental grass can get, Red Cloud is a more compact Maiden Grass forming a gracefully arching clump of bright green foliage to 3.5 feet tall and equally wide. This smaller stature makes it a good fit for use in smaller landscape or garden spaces and containers. It really puts on a spectacular show in summer when sturdy stems bearing wands of fiery rose-red flowers form a red cloud just above the foliage, hence the common name. As the flowers age they transition to fluffy white seedhead/plumes that provide interest in the landscape through fall and much of winter, and are excellent for cutting and use in dried flower arrangements. The foliage turns to golden hues for a beautiful and lasting fall color display. While small birds will appreciate the seeds and might use the foliage clump for shelter, the deer and rabbits haven't touched it in our gardens. A well-drained soil and plenty of sun is all this beauty needs to thrive in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 6-9 (-10F).

Miscanthus grasses are easy to grow in a wide range of soils, from sandy to well-drained clay and full to mostly sun (6 hours or more direct sunlight per day). They prefer a moist but well-drained soil of average fertility while establishing themselves, however will tolerate periods of dry soil when established. Constantly soggy or wet soils can be problematic, so make sure the planting site is a well-drained one. Maintenance is minimal requiring only an annual pruning before new growth begins to emerge in late winter or very early spring. At this time simply cut plants back to just above the ground.

Click on a link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant and care for Miscanthus grasses.