Cabaret Maiden Grass

Cabaret maiden grass forms an upright clump of broad green leaves marked by a bold white center stripe. Pinkish-white flower plumes rise above the foliage in late summer and mature to cream or silvery tones in fall. ## Foliage and flowers The variegated leaves bring contrast through the growing season, then fade to tan after frost. NC State Extension describes a 6–7-foot foliage clump with a 3–4-foot spread; the Royal Horticultural Society gives a broader mature range of about 1.5–2.5 m tall and 1–1.5 m wide. Both profiles describe the distinctive white leaf stripe and showy late-season plumes. ## Growing conditions Grow in full sun for the strongest display, though the plant tolerates partial shade. Moist, well-drained soil supports good growth. The cited NC State profile lists USDA zones 6–9 and reports resistance to deer, rabbits, and salt. Cabaret generally sets seed more slowly than many maiden grasses, but it can cross-pollinate with other Miscanthus and may spread. ## Maintenance Leave the foliage standing for winter interest, then cut the clump back to about 1 foot in late winter before new growth begins. Remove unwanted seedlings to limit spread. [NC State Extension’s Cabaret profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/miscanthus-sinensis-cabaret/) provides the cultivar-specific size, zone, and care details; the [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/55099/miscanthus-sinensis-cabaret/details) documents the alternate mature size range and plume colors.