Purpurascens Maiden Grass

Purpurascens is a flame grass selection with arching green leaves that develop orange-red to reddish-purple fall color. Its pink-tinged flower plumes fade to silvery white and remain as winter texture. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/miscanthus-purpurascens/) · [University of Florida IFAS](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP408) ## Form and Seasonal Interest This dense, clump-forming grass is typically described as about 3–5 feet tall, with foliage that colors strongly in autumn. Narrow flower plumes appear in late summer or fall, turning silvery as they dry and persisting into winter. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/miscanthus-purpurascens/) · [Morton Arboretum](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/chinese-silver-grass/) ## Growing Conditions Grow in full sun or light shade with moist, well-drained soil; it tolerates clay, loam, and sand. NC State Extension lists this selection for USDA zones 4a–8b. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/miscanthus-purpurascens/) · [Royal Horticultural Society](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/155419/miscanthus-purpurascens/details) ## Maintenance Leave the blades standing through winter for color and crown protection, then cut them back in late winter before new shoots appear. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/miscanthus-purpurascens/) · [University of Florida IFAS](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP408)