Zebra Grass

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!

1. 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.

2. Privacy Screens & Windbreaks

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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!

Frequently Asked Questions About Zebra Grass

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.