Nursery grown

Adagio Grass

Name: Adagio Grass
Brand: Adagio Grass

Miscanthus sinensis 'Adagio'

Nursery-Grown Adagio Grass Ready to Plant

$31.97 1 Gallon

Size

Quantity1

This size is not in the online store yet. Ask about availability and we will reply with current stock.

Reaches 3-4 feet with coppery-pink plumes aging to silvery-white in late summer and fall
Highly deer-resistant and moderately drought-tolerant once established
Hardy zones 5-9; foliage persists through winter for seasonal interest

Secure checkoutShips in its nursery containerGrowing guides included

About this plant

Adagio is a warm-season ornamental grass prized for its airy coppery-pink plumes that emerge in late summer and age to silvery tones by fall. The clumping foliage turns golden bronze as temperatures drop, creating season-long color. Perfect as a focal point in mixed borders, mass plantings, or in large containers. Its species, Miscanthus sinensis, is considered invasive in parts of the eastern and midwestern US because it reseeds, so check your local invasive plant lists before planting.

Your plant arrives from the nursery in its original grow container. Unpot immediately and plant at the same depth in well-drained soil. Water deeply after planting to settle the soil, then maintain consistent moisture throughout the first growing season to support strong root establishment.

Making room for Adagio Grass

Reaching 3 to 4 feet, it fills the middle of a bed without blocking views.

Border middle

Plant it 24 to 36 inches apart with Rudbeckia and Russian sage for late color.

Cut and dried

Cut the coppery-pink plumes in late summer for arrangements, or let them dry on the plant.

Slope planting

Groups on a sunny slope help with erosion control.

Large container

A roomy container with good drainage works, once the quart plant is potted up.

Not ideal for: Leave it out of deep shade and waterlogged beds.

Good to know: Its species reseeds in parts of the eastern and midwestern US, so look up local rules before buying.

Adagio Grass at a glance

Botanical name	Miscanthus sinensis 'Adagio'
Plant type	ornamental grass (warm-season, clump-forming perennial grass)
USDA zones	5-9
Mature height	3-4 ft (foliage mound ~2.5-3 ft, plumes extend it to 3.5-4.5 ft)
Mature width	2.5-3.5 ft
Sun	full sun; tolerates light/part shade but flowering and habit are best in full sun
Water	average water; moderately drought tolerant once established, benefits from regular water in first year
Bloom time	late summer to fall (typically August-October, varies by region)
Bloom color	coppery-pink to silvery-pink plumes, aging to silvery-white/tan
Growth rate	moderate, roughly 6-12 in of new growth per year until reaching full clump size in 2-3 years
Deer resistance	high (rarely browsed)
Best planting time	spring is preferred (allows full establishment before winter); can also be planted in early fall in milder zones

Container sizes explained

#1 / 1 Gallon	A trade one gallon pot (about 6.5 inches). One to two seasons older than a quart, with an established root system.
#2 / 2 Gallon	A trade two gallon pot. Common for peonies and perennials that need root room; usually blooms the first or second year.
#3 / 3 Gallon	A trade three gallon pot (about 10 inches). A well-developed shrub or small tree, often 2 to 4 feet tall on arrival.

Questions before you buy

Which size should I choose?

The 1-gallon is a younger starter plant ideal for mass plantings or budget-conscious landscapes. The 3-gallon is a larger plant that offers a fuller immediate appearance, great if you want more presence in a focal spot or large container.

When should I plant after receiving it?

Plant immediately upon arrival. Earlier in the growing season (spring through early summer) allows the root system to establish before winter. Late plantings still work but may delay full vigor until the following season.

How large does Adagio Grass get?

The foliage mound reaches about 2.5-3 feet tall and 2.5-3.5 feet wide. Late-summer plumes extend the visual height to 3.5-4.5 feet. Mature size is reached within 2-3 growing seasons.

What sun exposure does it need?

Full sun produces the best flowering and compact form. It tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer plumes and looser growth. For peak performance and plume color, aim for as much direct sun as your site allows.

Will this grass survive in my zone?

Adagio is hardy in USDA zones 5-9. If you're at the edges of your zone, select a sheltered planting spot and apply mulch in late fall to protect the crown through winter.

What's involved in first-year care?

Water consistently during the first year to support root establishment, especially if rainfall is light. Well-drained soil is essential; it tolerates clay but not waterlogged conditions. Once established in year two, it needs only average moisture and becomes moderately drought-tolerant.