Eulalia (Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus')
Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus' (Eulalia) is a dramatic, upright ornamental grass known for its horizontally banded, porcupine-like foliage.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The striking Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’, often recognized by its common name Eulalia or porcupine grass, is prized for its rigidly upright, columnar growth habit. This architectural quality sets it apart from many other ornamental grasses, providing excellent vertical structure in the landscape. Its signature feature is the medium green foliage dramatically variegated with distinct yellow horizontal bands, creating a textured, banded effect.
This clump-forming, warm-season grass offers multi-season interest, starting with its unique summer foliage, transitioning through reddish-brown blooms in late summer, and retaining its strong form well into the winter. Although it spreads slowly via short rhizomes, Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’ generally maintains a desirable tight clump shape, making it manageable for defined garden spaces.
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’ is relatively low maintenance once established, thriving in full sun and tolerating various soil types, making it a dependable backbone plant for screening or specimen planting. Gardeners value the lasting structure and ornamental plumes of Eulalia, which provide essential winter structure when many perennials have faded.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Poaceae
- Plant Type: Ornamental grass
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 4-9 ft
- Spread: 2-6 ft
- Bloom Time: August to February
- Bloom Description: Reddish-brown
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’ in the spring after the danger of frost has passed, ensuring it receives full sun for the best color and strongest upright growth. This Eulalia is adaptable and easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil, offering tolerance for soils ranging from sandy types to heavy clays. While it tolerates diverse conditions, it thrives best when provided consistent moisture, especially during its establishment phase.
Routine care is minimal. Water regularly to establish the clump, but once mature, the established Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’ demonstrates good drought tolerance. Fertilizing is usually unnecessary; excessive feeding can sometimes reduce flowering vigor and encourage the foliage to flop, a tendency that is already minimized by the ‘Strictus’ cultivar selection.
For winter interest and crown protection, it is crucial to leave the foliage standing throughout the cold months. Prune Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’ severely by cutting the foliage close to the ground in late winter, just before new spring shoots emerge. Be aware that this grass can reseed, potentially behaving somewhat invasively in milder climates; using mulch can help suppress any unwanted seedlings.
Landscape Uses
The sturdy, vertical habit of Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’ makes it an indispensable element in contemporary and cottage garden designs alike. It serves excellently as an accent or specimen plant where year-round structure is desired, or when planted in small groupings for soft, linear screening. The upright nature of this Eulalia avoids the floppiness sometimes associated with other variegated grasses like ‘Zebrinus’.
Consider using this grass to define the edges of borders or to provide vertical contrast against mounding shrubs and broadleaf perennials. Its height allows it to function well near pond peripheries or within naturalized meadows, where its plumes can sway softly. Furthermore, the dried flowers and persistent foliage are long-lasting, making Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’ a highly recommended choice for dried floral arrangements.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
- Good Dried
Noteworthy Characteristics
Miscanthus sinensis, commonly known as Chinese silver grass, Japanese silver grass or eulalia grass, is a clump-forming warm season grass that typically grows to 3-7’ tall. It is native to lowlands and lower alpine areas in Japan, Korea and China. ‘Strictus’, commonly known as porcupine grass, is noted for its horizontally banded foliage and upright, columnar habit in which the erect leaf blades purportedly resemble porcupine quills. It features medium green leaves variegated with yellow horizontal bands, and the flower plumes persist well into winter providing good winter interest.
Tolerances
- Drought
- Erosion
- Dry Soil
- Black Walnut
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’ generally avoids serious, frequently occurring insect or disease issues, especially when sited correctly in full sun. However, in certain regions of the U.S., miscanthus blight (a fungal disease affecting blades and sheaths) and the miscanthus mealybug (which hides inside stems) can present challenges. To mitigate potential disease, ensure good air circulation by avoiding overcrowding and providing well-drained soil, as opposed to overly moist conditions. While this grass forms substantial clumps, it usually maintains its upright form and rarely requires staking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Eulalia suitable for?
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9.
How large does Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’ grow?
This ornamental grass typically reaches a height between 4 to 9 feet, with a spread between 2 to 6 feet, maintaining a very upright habit.
What sun exposure does Eulalia need?
For optimal performance, including vigorous flowering and a strong, upright habit, Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’ requires full sun, though it can tolerate light afternoon shade (part shade).
When does Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’ bloom?
This grass produces its flower panicles, which are described as reddish-brown, beginning in August and continuing through February.
Conclusion
The structural integrity and unique banded foliage make Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’ an essential architectural component in any landscape design. Its low maintenance needs and exceptional winter appeal confirm the enduring value of this Eulalia variety. Before planting, verify the hardiness zone compatibility and ensure a location receiving adequate sunlight to showcase the striking, upright form of Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’.
Companion Planting
Companion planting with other structural grasses or contrasting textures enhances the appearance of Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’. Consider pairing it with late-season flowering companions that appreciate similar sun exposure and soil drainage, such as Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan) or Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’. Plants with fine-textured foliage, like Amsonia (Blue Star) or certain ornamental alliums, provide an excellent textural foil to the broad, banded blades of the Eulalia.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring cleanup is vital for this grass; wait until late winter or early spring, just as new growth begins, to cut the old, tan foliage down to about 6 inches above the ground. Throughout the summer, medium, consistent watering supports robust growth, especially during hot, dry spells, although established clumps are quite tough. In the fall, enjoy the reddish-brown plumes and the foliage as it fades to beige; leave this material standing to provide winter structure and insulate the crown.
