I had Malepartus for years and it never bloomed that early--just a week or 10 days earlier than others.

Ok malepartus is officially out. Never really liked the odd flower color anyway. Are there any common cultivars that usually bloom before mid August ?

Not sure how 'common' these may be but Miscanthus sinensis var. purpurascens (syn. Miscanthus oligostachyus 'Purpurascens') and M.s. 'Kaskade' are considered the earliest blooming selections with flowerheads appearing in midsummer (July) under suitable conditons.

Miscanthus 'Purpurascens' is the earliest to bloom by far. It is not a M. s. but a hybrid even though it is often listed as M.s. The fall foliage colour is outstanding but here it does not stand for winter with heavy snow knocking it down. It is not a clump forming grass but it's outward spread is easily controlled and is not aggressive at all.

Posting at the same time GG.

Yea preferably I’d like a pure Miscanthus sinensis species. But I’ll look to see if any of those cultivars are available in my local nurseries