Zebra Grass

Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus'

Nature Hills Nursery

Horizontal Golden-Yellow Stripes Transform Blades into Living Artwork Year-Round
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 5-8 ft Tall, 4-6 ft Wide
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Salt Tolerant
Stunning Yellow Fall Foliage

$53⁶⁸

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Plant Size

#2 Container #3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Zebra Grass thrives in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct light daily. Plenty of sunshine is necessary to keep the stems sturdy and ensure those unique horizontal yellow bands stay vibrant rather than fading to solid green.
Soil: This grass prefers moist, well-drained soil but is quite adaptable to different types. If you are dealing with heavy clay, mix in some organic compost at planting time to improve drainage and prevent the roots from sitting in stagnant water.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your grass deeply twice a week to help the roots reach deep into the soil. Once the plant is mature and established, it becomes quite drought tolerant and usually only needs supplemental water during extended dry spells. Inconsistent watering during high heat can cause the leaf tips to turn brown, so a steady moisture level helps keep the foliage looking pristine.

Pruning Tips

Zebra Grass grows on new wood, meaning all of the beautiful foliage you see each year starts from the ground up. In late winter or very early spring, use hedge shears to cut the entire plant back to about four or five inches above the soil line. Think of this like a seasonal haircut that clears away the dead, tan debris so the fresh green and gold shoots can emerge without any obstructions.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a general purpose, slow-release fertilizer once in early spring just as you see new green growth beginning to poke through the crown. You should avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer season. Excess nitrogen late in the year encourages soft, weak growth that will likely collapse or "flop" when the first heavy snow or ice arrives.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Fast-growing, Low Maintenance, Deer-resistant, Flowering, Fall Color/Interest, Slopes/Erosion Control, Clay Tolerant, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Hedge/Screen
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	5-8 ft
Width	4-6 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Compact, Trailing, Upright
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Summer, Fall
Flower Color	Green
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Grass
Botanical Name	Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus'
Species	sinensis
Cultivar	Zebrinus
Class	Poales
Does Not Ship To	AK, DE, FL, HI, ID, MN, MT, NY, PR

Zebra Grass - Striking Striped Foliage and Dramatic Texture!

Striped waving fountains, the Zebra Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus') is a bold, eye-catching Ornamental Grass known for its distinctive horizontal golden-yellow stripes on arching green blades. This clump-forming, warm-season grass adds unique texture, movement, and architectural interest to gardens while providing year-round beauty.

This Miscanthus reaches 5-7 feet tall, and Zebra Grass is perfect for borders, privacy screens, and focal points in the landscape. In late summer to early fall, it produces soft, feathery copper-colored plumes that transition to silvery-white seed heads for added winter interest. Deer-resistant, drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance, this hardy perennial thrives in a variety of conditions, making it a versatile choice for any garden.

Key Features of Zebra Grass

Distinctive horizontal golden-yellow stripes on green blades.
Graceful, arching form reaches 5-7 feet tall.
Coppery flower plumes in late summer, transitioning to silvery seed heads in fall.
Adds movement and texture to gardens with its flowing, feathery blades.
Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, perfect for low-maintenance landscapes.
Excellent for erosion control and privacy screening.
Hardy in USDA Zones 5-9, thriving in a variety of soils and conditions.
Provides winter interest with its persistent seed heads and foliage.

How to Use Zebra Grass in the Landscape

Easy to grow and establish in your landscape, Ornamental Grass is a dream to have in your garden!

Ornamental Borders & Focal Points

Use Zebra Grass as a stunning backdrop in mixed perennial borders.
Plant as a standalone specimen for a dramatic focal point in the landscape.
Pair with purple Coneflowers, Black-Eyed Susans, or Sedum for contrast.

Privacy Screens & Windbreaks

Plant in rows or groupings to create a living privacy screen.
Use as a natural windbreak in open landscapes.

Water-Wise & Drought-Tolerant Gardens

Thrives in xeriscape gardens, tolerating drought once established.
Combine with Yuccas, Ornamental Sedges, and Succulents for a low-water garden design.

Erosion Control & Slopes

Strong root system helps stabilize soil, making it ideal for hillsides and slopes.
Plant in mass groupings to reduce soil erosion in problem areas.

Winter Interest & Wildlife-Friendly Gardens

Leave seed heads standing in winter for visual appeal and bird-friendly habitat.
Works well in naturalistic and prairie-style gardens.

Caring For Zebra Grass

Plant these versatile grasses in a wide range of conditions in your landscape!

Sun & Soil Requirements

Miscanthus prefers full sun for best color and growth but tolerates light shade.
Thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil but adapts to various conditions.

Watering & Mulching

Drought-tolerant once established, but water regularly in the first year.
Apply a 3-4 inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning & Maintenance

Cut back in late winter to early spring, before new growth emerges.
Remove old foliage and seed heads to encourage healthy new shoots.

Fertilizing

Generally does not require fertilization, but a light application of balanced fertilizer in spring can enhance growth.

Winter Care

Hardy in Zones 5-9, Zebra Grass tolerates cold winters well.
Leave seed heads intact for winter beauty and remove them in early spring, pruning down the entire plant before new growth emerges.
In locations with heavy snow fall, you can tie up your clumps to support them.

Order Zebra Grass Today!

Add bold texture, movement, and year-round interest to your landscape with Zebra Grass. Its striped foliage, graceful form, and low-maintenance nature make it a must-have ornamental grass for any garden.

Order now from Nature Hills Online Plant Nursery, and enjoy seasons of striking beauty and effortless elegance!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How tall does Zebra Grass grow?

Zebra Grass grows to 5-7 feet tall with a spread of 3-5 feet, making it an excellent choice for privacy screens and focal points.

When does Zebra Grass bloom?

It produces copper-colored plumes in late summer, which transition to silvery seed heads in fall.

Is Zebra Grass deer-resistant?

Yes! Zebra Grass is deer-resistant, making it a great option for gardens in deer-prone areas.

Can Zebra Grass be grown in containers?

Yes! While Zebra Grass prefers open garden spaces, it can be grown in large containers for patios and decks.

How do I prune Zebra Grass?

Cut back to 6 inches above the ground in late winter or early spring to allow for fresh new growth.

Is Zebra Grass drought-tolerant?

Yes! Once established, Zebra Grass is highly drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for low-water landscapes.

Zebra Grass

Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus'