Thompson & Morgan Miscanthus Sinensis Strictus - 9Cm Potted Plant X 1
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’ is an award-winning ornamental grass that brings bold structure, te...Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’ is an award-winning ornamental grass that brings bold structure, texture, and year-round interest to the garden. Its tall, upright habit is clothed in slender green leaves marked with striking horizontal gold bands, creating a dramatic, architectural display. In late summer, elegant silvery flower plumes rise above the foliage, swaying gracefully in the breeze and catching the light beautifully. This clump-forming grass is perfect for adding vertical interest to mixed borders or as a striking stand-alone feature. Highly reliable and easy to grow, ‘Strictus’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating a wide range of garden conditions. Its tall stems and decorative plumes add beauty from summer right through the winter months if left uncut, providing movement and structure to dormant planting schemes. Awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit, this hardy perennial grass is a superb choice for both formal and naturalistic garden designs. How to Grow Light: Full sun for best colour and growth. Temperature: Fully hardy in UK gardens. Watering: Water regularly until established. Avoid waterlogged conditions. Feeding: Apply general-purpose fertiliser in spring. Humidity: No special requirements. Images shown are for guidance only and show the expected results of plants upon maturity. Different growing conditions might vary results. Image may be included for illustration of supply but can vary due to seasonality changes (e.g. deciduous plants lose leaves in colder months). Decorative pots are not supplied. Features: Striking gold-banded foliage for bold visual impact Tall, upright habit adds strong vertical interest Silvery flower plumes provide beauty from summer to winter Low maintenance and easy to grow Specifications: Dimensions: H:5 x W:5 x D:5 cm Weight: 0.2 kg Model Number: KF9662
This ornamental grass, Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’, is for gardeners seeking bold structure and year-round visual interest. Its key benefit is the striking gold-banded foliage and upright habit, creating an architectural display. A caveat is that the supplied plant is a young 9cm potted specimen and will require time and care to reach its mature size and full visual impact, with images often showing mature plants for guidance.
All features
Model Part Number
9Cm Potted Plant X 1
Brand
Thompson & Morgan
Extended Product Information
FAQs
What size will the plant be when it arrives?
The plant arrives in a 9cm pot, which is a young specimen. It will require time and care to grow to its mature size.
When is the best time to plant Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’?
The best time to plant is in spring, after the risk of frost has passed, allowing the plant to establish during the growing season.
How much water does this grass need?
Water regularly until established. Once mature, it is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from watering during extended dry periods. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Do I need to cut the grass back?
Yes, it is best to cut back the old foliage and stems to about 10-15 cm from the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Will the gold bands on the leaves fade?
The gold banding is most prominent in full sun. Insufficient light can reduce the intensity of the banding. Mature plants generally maintain good variegation in optimal conditions.
Is this plant suitable for containers?
Yes, it can be grown in large containers, provided they have good drainage and the plant is given adequate room to grow. Ensure containers are protected from harsh winter winds and freezing temperatures.
What is the RHS Award of Garden Merit?
The RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM) is a prestigious award given by the Royal Horticultural Society to plants that have shown excellent garden value, exhibiting good performance and reliability.
Troubleshooting
Plant appears weak or leggy with poor colour.
Ensure the plant is receiving adequate sunlight (full sun is recommended). Check soil drainage; waterlogged conditions can cause stress. Apply a light feed in spring if nutrient levels are suspected to be low.
Foliage is not developing the characteristic gold bands.
This is often due to insufficient sunlight. Move the plant to a sunnier location or ensure surrounding plants are not shading it excessively. Young plants may also take time to develop full variegation.
Plant fails to establish or shows signs of wilting.
Check for waterlogged soil and improve drainage if necessary. Ensure consistent watering during the establishment phase, especially in dry periods. Verify the plant is planted at the correct depth, not too deep.
Plant is spreading too aggressively.
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’ is a clump-forming grass, but vigorous growth can occur. To manage spread, divide the plant in early spring every few years. Ensure it is planted where its mature size can be accommodated.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Provides exceptional year-round visual interest.
Adds strong architectural structure to garden designs.
Low maintenance and easy to cultivate.
Drought tolerant once established.
Attractive to pollinators with its flower plumes.
Awarded RHS Award of Garden Merit for its garden value.
Cons
Supplied plant is a young specimen (9cm pot) and requires time to mature.
Mature plant images may not reflect the initial size of the purchased plant.
Requires full sun for optimal colour and growth.
Can become invasive in ideal conditions if not managed.
Deciduous nature means foliage may die back in winter (though stems and plumes remain).
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Planting:
Choose a location that receives full sun for the best growth and foliage colour.
Ensure the soil is well-drained. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or grit.
Dig a hole twice the width of the 9cm pot and of a similar depth.
Gently remove the plant from its pot, loosen the roots if pot-bound, and place it in the hole.
Backfill with soil, firming gently around the base.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Compatibility:
Tolerates a wide range of garden conditions.
Pairs well with drought-tolerant perennials, ornamental grasses, and shrubs.
Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can harm the plant.
Care:
Watering: Water regularly until the plant is well-established. Once mature, it is fairly drought-tolerant but benefits from watering during prolonged dry spells.
Feeding: Apply a general-purpose fertiliser in early spring as new growth appears. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to weak growth.
Pruning: Cut back the old foliage and flower stems to about 10-15 cm from the ground in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This tidies the plant and encourages fresh growth.
Division: Mature clumps can be divided in spring every 3-5 years to rejuvenate the plant and propagate new specimens.