Miscanthus High Frequency, a must-have ornamental grass

If your summer garden feels a little static, you maybe should consider adding plants that bring movement, texture and structure to the landscape.

One type that fits the bill are ornamental grasses. On a recent visit to the trial gardens at the Mississippi State University Truck Crops Experiment Branch Station in Crystal Springs, I was impressed by the eye-catching Miscanthus High Frequency.

This clump-forming grass has a polished, upright habit that makes it look sculpted into place. Each blade is narrow and refined, with crisp vertical stripes of bright white against fresh green foliage.

The variegation almost sparkles in the sunlight, and when the wind picks up, the whole plant dances in a graceful way. It’s the kind of plant that adds energy and elegance without trying too hard.

One of the things I appreciate about High Frequency is how well it holds its form. So many ornamental grasses tend to arch or flop by late summer, but not this one.

It grows in a tight, upright clump, reaching about 4 to 5 feet tall when topped with soft, silvery plumes that appear in late summer and fall. It spreads to a manageable 2.5 to 3 feet, making it ideal for tight garden spaces, borders and even container groupings.

Miscanthus High Frequency is surprisingly low maintenance. It thrives in full sun, which helps it maintain its strong form and vibrant variegation. I recommend planting it in a location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.

While it prefers moderately moist, well-drained soil, it is also quite adaptable. It performs well in heavy clay soils and sandy beds, as long as drainage is adequate.

Once established, it is drought tolerant, which is a big plus for Southern gardeners who deal with hot, dry spells.

I water newly planted clumps regularly during the first growing season to help them develop a deep root system. After that, I only water during extended dry periods. A layer of mulch around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, but be sure not to pile mulch directly against the crown.

Be sure to cut all ornamental grasses back in late winter or very early spring before new growth begins.

I recommend trimming the entire Miscanthus High Frequency clump down to 6 to 8 inches tall. This removes old foliage and encourages a fresh flush of vigorous new growth. It’s also a great time to divide mature clumps if they have outgrown their space or to multiply them around the garden.

This grass is rarely bothered by pests or diseases, and deer tend to leave it alone, which is always a bonus in my book.

Miscanthus High Frequency pairs beautifully with bold perennials like coneflowers, rudbeckias, salvias or even shrubs like hydrangeas and loropetalums. It makes a striking backdrop for lower growing annuals and groundcovers. Its strong vertical lines and light-catching foliage provide interest all season long.

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, high-impact grass to elevate your landscape, High Frequency definitely deserves a spot in your garden. With its shimmering variegation, sturdy habit and graceful motion, it is a beautiful and reliable performer from spring through winter.