Giant miscanthus is a huge and robust ornamental grass that can stand more than 10 feet (3m)! The leaves are flat, but slightly folded, deep green with a white mid-vein. Although it is technically a clump grass and not a turf-forming grass, giant miscanthus spreads and enlarges slowly with short underground rhizomes.

Giant miscanthus is thought to be native to areas such as Japan, Taiwan, and other islands in that region of the Pacific. The Timber Press Guide to Ornamental Grasses (Rick Darke, 2004) states, "Although frequently listed as belonging to M. floridulus, M. sacchariflorus, or M. sinensis, this venerable cultivar is of obscure garden origin, possibly a hybrid."

In it's more common Pacific Island habitat Giant miscanthus flowers late in the season but it may not bloom at all in our northern latitudes. Many state this plant can simply be propagated by division of the root crown. Saanich Parks Horticulture staff will argue this is best done with a back hoe after discovering a standard garden spade proved inadequate!

In recent news, Biofuel suppliers in Ontario announced they are exploring the merits of this Miscanthus in the hopes it can provide an alternative to wood fuel for boiler operations which generate electricity. Once a crop is established it requires no fertilization or weed control and is easy to grow on less fertile land and is treated much like hay. Its leaves have a waxy coating which prevent absorbtion of water so it can be left in the field after harvest until needed.

This amazing grass can be viewed at Sierra, Playfair and Maynard Parks in the perennial borders.

If you choose this gentle giant for your garden, look in your favourite garden shop for the name "Giganteus". It may also be listed as a variety or cultivar of Miscanthus sinensis, M. sacchariflorus, M. japonicus, or simply as Miscanthus 'Giganteus'.