Oktoberfest Maiden Grass

Miscanthus sinensis 'Oktoberfest'

Poaceae

• Full sun
• 5'–6' tall × 4'–5' wide (flower plumes to 7')
• Drought Tolerant: Yes – once established; moderate drought tolerance
• Evergreen: No
• Flower Color/Bloom Time: Copper-pink to reddish plumes fading to silver, August–October
• Wildlife Benefits: Seeds attract birds in fall and winter; persistent plumes provide winter interest and wildlife cover

'Oktoberfest' is a vigorous, upright-arching cultivar of Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis) notable for its warm copper and reddish-orange fall foliage color — among the best for autumn color in the genus. It forms a large, vase-shaped clump of fine-textured, arching foliage that makes a bold architectural statement in the landscape. Thriving in full sun, it adapts well to a range of well-drained soils and, once established, exhibits solid drought and heat tolerance, making it well-suited to Spokane's semi-arid climate. 

The foliage emerges green in spring and transitions through the season to develop exceptional warm tones of copper, orange, and reddish-brown in fall — a quality that sets 'Oktoberfest' apart from many other Miscanthus cultivars. From August through October, reddish to copper-pink feathery plumes emerge on tall stems above the foliage, aging gracefully to silvery-white as the season progresses. The entire plant — foliage and plumes — remains ornamentally valuable through winter, swaying attractively in the wind and catching frost and snow in cold months.

The persistent seed heads of 'Oktoberfest' provide a valuable food source for finches, sparrows, and other seed-eating birds through fall and winter. The large, dense clumps also offer cover and nesting material for small birds and wildlife. As with all Miscanthus sinensis cultivars, 'Oktoberfest' has low to moderate invasive potential and should be monitored for unwanted seedlings; however, it is generally considered well-behaved in dry, inland climates like Spokane's.

In the landscape, 'Oktoberfest' serves as a dramatic specimen or large-scale screening plant and is particularly effective in mass plantings where its autumn color creates a sweeping visual effect. It combines well with late-season perennials that echo its warm fall palette, including Rudbeckia, Aster, Echinacea, and Hoary Tansyaster. It also provides excellent structural contrast alongside shorter ornamental grasses such as Blue Fescue and Little Bluestem. Cut back to 4"–6" in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.