Dwarf Maiden Grass – Miscanthus sinensis ‘Adiago’

Dwarf Maiden Grass – Miscanthus sinensis ‘Adiago’

Overview: Dwarf Maiden Grass, scientifically known as Miscanthus sinensis ‘Adiago’, is a compact ornamental grass prized for its graceful, fountain-like habit and delicate plumes. A dwarf cultivar of the popular Maiden Grass, ‘Adiago’ offers all the beauty of its larger counterparts in a smaller package, making it suitable for gardens of all sizes.

Typical Uses:

Dwarf Maiden Grass serves various purposes in landscaping and garden design:

• As a focal point or accent plant in perennial borders or rock gardens
• In mass plantings to create texture and movement in the landscape
• As a container plant for patios, decks, or balconies
• In rain gardens or near water features, as it tolerates moist soils

Establishment and Care Instructions:

Planting: Choose a site with well-drained soil and full to partial sunlight. Dig a hole twice as wide and slightly deeper than the root ball. Place the grass in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill with soil and water thoroughly.

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist during the first growing season to help the grass establish. Once established, Dwarf Maiden Grass is moderately drought-tolerant and only requires supplemental watering during prolonged dry spells.

Pruning: Cut back the foliage to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. This rejuvenation pruning helps maintain the plant’s vigor and prevents it from becoming leggy.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth and flowering. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can encourage excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Special Features and Usage:

Dwarf Maiden Grass offers several distinctive features:

• Foliage: Narrow, arching leaves form dense clumps, turning golden-orange in fall for added seasonal interest.
• Plumes: In late summer to early fall, ‘Adiago’ produces feathery plumes that emerge in shades of pink and fade to creamy white, creating a soft, ethereal effect.
• Compact Size: Grows to a manageable height of 3 to 4 feet, making it suitable for smaller gardens or containers.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, including little to no pruning and no need for staking.