Panicum miliaceum QIS® Umbrella – graceful ornamental grass with a natural look

Panicum miliaceum , commonly known as ornamental switchgrass or millet grass, is an annual ornamental grass popular for its airy flower heads and elegant growth. The QIS® Umbrella cultivar stands out with its beautiful, large, plume-shaped spikes that float like an umbrella above the foliage, creating a decorative and dynamic effect in the garden.

Thanks to its natural appearance, QIS® Umbrella is perfect for cutting gardens, borders, flower meadows, and organic gardens. This ornamental grass also attracts pollinators and can be used as a background plant or combined with annuals for added texture, height, and movement.

Description and growth habit – airy and graceful

Panicum miliaceum QIS® Umbrella grows upright and bushy, reaching a height of about 80–120 cm and a width of 30–50 cm. The leaves are narrow, dark green, and slightly wavy, giving the plant a soft, graceful appearance.

The flower spikes are strikingly large and plume-shaped, light brown to copper-colored, and seem to float above the leaves. This structure creates a moving, natural effect in the wind, adding a dynamic element to borders and cutting gardens. Flowering begins in summer and can continue into early autumn.

Cultivation and care – simple and maintenance-friendly

Panicum miliaceum QIS® Umbrella is easy to grow and suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners. Some growing tips:

• Sowing: Directly in the open ground from March to May or sow under glass for an early start.

• Position: Sunny to partial shade, in well-drained soil.

• Soil: Lightly nutritious and moist, but well-drained; avoid wet areas.

• Maintenance: Water regularly during dry periods; spent flowers can be removed to keep the plant tidy.

The compact nature of QIS® Umbrella makes the clumps easy to manage and requires minimal pruning. The panicle-shaped flower heads can also be dried for decorative purposes or bouquets.

Application and ornamental value

Panicum miliaceum QIS® Umbrella can be used in various garden designs:

• Borders and gardens – adds vertical height and airy texture.

• Pick-your-own gardens – suitable for cut flowers and flower arrangements.

• Flower meadows – combines well with annual flowers and other ornamental grasses.

• Dried flowers – the plumes retain their shape and colour after drying.

The soft movement of the ornamental grass in the wind gives the garden a calm, natural atmosphere, making it perfect for romantic, informal or ecological gardens.