It produces reddish … Great in containers. Its foliage grows 3' to 5' feet, while silvery summer plumes rise above and can reach 6' tall. Zebra grass plants die back in winter, but are perennial and re-sprout in spring. The feathery plumes are often cut for use in fresh or dried floral arrangements. Zebra grass can be installed and used as a backdrop in a garden bed; Plant a group of them together; looks great installed alongside a pond; Can be installed alongside a wall; Plant some alongside a fenced area; Pruning the Zebra grass. Award-winner Zebra Grass 'Zebrinus' is a very distinctive ornamental grass with its variegated foliage displaying unusual, horizontal, soft yellow rings along the gracefully arching leaves. As the colder months arrive it is best to remove about 5 inches of the top … It produces brand new deep green leaves in spring that begin to show more and more golden striping as the leaf matures. Shorter than regular Zebra Grass, this is well-suited to smaller gardens or growing in containers. A second application is necessary only if the zebra grass displays weak growth or if the foliage takes on a pale, yellowish color. In the cooler zones, choose a place on the western side of the house in a sheltered area or where cold doesn’t pocket. Soft Rush Grass. Drive four or five bamboo or wooden stakes inconspicuously around the edge of the plant, and then wind garden twine from stake to stake. Little Zebra Maiden Grass forms a midsize mound of green foliage. Hot sunny summers help the plant form copper colored, feathery inflorescences in … Tolerates many conditions but prefers moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. If you like the look of the dry feathery flowers, leave them until spring. It will also provide interest and structure throughout autumn and winter, when little else is growing. Details 'Little Zebra' is a dwarf, compact, clump-forming deciduous perennial grass. It has yellow banding on the arching, dark green leaves. Its clumping habit makes it perfect when planted in groups as a hedge or alone in a container. Site Conditions for Growing Zebra Grass. That just won't do! The plant then produces fluffy seeds, which provide airy distraction to the late fall foliage. Hardy to -20°F Maximum Elevation: 7,000 ft. USDA zones 5 to 9 are ideal for zebra grass planting. Cut the plant down a second time in midsummer to revitalize the foliage and keep the zebra grass compact. Ornamental Grasses Perfect for creating elegant ‘privacy screens’ or as borders and backgrounds for flower beds. Zebra grass plants are resistant to most pests and diseases. Its fine-textured foliage, which consists of arching, narrow green leaves, turns to golden brown shades in the fall, and creates an exquisite fountain shape that stands out beautifully and sways gracefully in the slightest breeze. Easily grown in average, evenly moist, well-drained, loamy soils. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. This grass will reseed to the point of being somewhat invasive in the milder parts of its growing range. Plumes are deep pink to red and appear from late summer into the autumn, gradually turning silver for the winter. Easy care. Little Zebra Grass can be useful in the landscape along woodland borders, in mass plantings, in foundation plantings, in containers or planters, as a background, around decks, swimming pools, and other outdoor living areas, as an accent, as a focal point, in landscape beds or islands or to accentuate entryways and also in theme gardens, cottage gardens or perennial gardens. Edit or improve upon this plant file by clicking here. Soak your shears in full-strength household disinfectant for roughly five minutes, rinse them in hot water and blot them dry before use. Water the zebra grass plant two to three times every week during the first growing season to keep the soil consistently damp; zebra grass prefers moist soil. Water deeply, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. If the plant is in too much shade, the leaf blades can get floppy, but you can provide a stake or even a tomato cage to help prop them upright. See something wrong with this plant file? Its lovely fountain-like form is round with arching blades. There are few showier plants for the garden. Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Zebra' PP#13008. Report An Inaccuracy. This attractive foliage warms up to rich gold in the fall before turning to tan over the winter. ‘Little Zebra’, sometimes commonly called dwarf zebra grass, is a compact cultivar that typically grows in a clump to 3-4’ tall and to 2-3’ wide. Architectural, Beds and borders, City, Containers, Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Low Maintenance, Mediterranean, Prairie planting. Hot sunny summers help the plant form copper colored, feathery inflorescences in September. M.H. Work in compost or leaf litter to a depth of at least 6 inches (15 cm.) Autumn/Winter Care: Cut back to 6" during late winter. Zebra grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’) is native to Japan and one of the Miscanthus maiden grass cultivars, all of which are used as ornamental grasses. In late summer, tiny gray-purple flowers appear above the foliage, forming feathery wine-purple plumes. Cut foliage clumps back to 3 inches above the ground and apply fertilizer in late winter to early spring. May 17, 2018 - Zebra grass plants provide four seasons of interest with young spring variegated striped foliage, summer copper colored inflorescence, fall golden leaves and … Space the plants 36 to 48 inches (91cm.- 1 m.) apart and install in spring when the plant is mostly dormant. Choose a sunny to partially sunny location when growing zebra grass. It is noted for its compact size, upright form, horizontally-banded foliage and wine-purple flower plumes. ‘Little Zebra’ is much more resistant … Zebra ornamental plants have long arching leaves with appealing stripes across the width, like dappled foliage in the sun. Removing old growth keeps the plant tidy and makes room for healthy new growth. prior to installing the plant. This grass compliments any … That just won't do! Choose a sunny to partially sunny location when growing zebra grass. Become a care taker for Dwarf Zebra Grass! In early fall, more and mor… This dwarf form of Zebra has upright arching foliage comprised of 3-4 feet tall, gold-banded blades in a compact clump. Our range of ornamental grasses can create a sense of calm, relaxation and sophistication. Silver Arrow Grass. Become a care taker for Little Zebra Grass! Cut back the inflorescences in either fall or spring. May 12, 2020 - Zebra grass plants provide four seasons of interest with young spring variegated striped foliage, summer copper colored inflorescence, fall golden leaves and … Disinfecting pruning tools helps reduce the spread of pathogens. Suggested uses. Fertilize in spring with a good organic plant food. The grasses provide four seasons of interest with young spring variegated striped foliage, summer copper colored inflorescence, fall golden leaves and winter texture and form. Cultivation. It grows well in any well-drained soil, and once established it is drought resistant. Dwarf Zebra Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Hinjo') sports spikey leaves with green and gold banding. Propagate by division of the crown. By: Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system; once established, tolerates moderate dry spells. Plant your Little Zebra grass in the back center of a nice sized pot for a perfect backdrop for a mixed planter. Little Zebra Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Zebra') is almost as famous for its towering flowering stalks as it is for its green and yellow banded foliage. A popular choice for rockeries and borders. It has an excellent compact habit with superior yellow banding that holds up all season. 'Little Zebra' Maiden Grass. Pruning is so important to keep your zebra grass growing nice and healthy. Height: 3-4ft Spread: 2-3ft Zone: 5-9 Exposure: Full sun to part shade Bloom Time/Color: August-October; burgundy Uses: Specimen, massing, borders Maintenance: Low Other: Foliage color. Dwarf Zebra Maiden Grass 'Hinjo' requires little care after … Looking strikingly similar to its bigger brother the Miscathus Sinensis Zebrinus, Little Zebra Grass is noteworthy for being more manageable, thanks to its shorter growth height and smaller sideways spread. Mulch helps prevent reseeding. (Dwarf Zebra Grass) Miscanthus ‘Little Zebra’ is a dwarf selection of zebra grass that is destined to become very popular. The New Sunset Western Garden Book; Kathleen Norris Brenzel, ed. It flowers every year in late-summer with pale pink feathers. This step is necessary only in climates with long growing seasons. Support zebra grass with stakes if the plant becomes top heavy when plumes develop in autumn. Zebra grass is the perfect foil for more colourful plants. The rest of the time, you'll be enjoying its colorful foliage that fades to t Fan-like, purple-red plumes appear in the fall, rising one foot above the foliage, and turning to a creamy tan in the winter. Avoid use of lawn fertilizer, which is too strong. If not, cut them back to within a few inches of the crown of the plant in fall. Also known as Japanese silver grass or Eulalia, Miscanthus sinensis "Zebrinus" lends the landscape creamy yellow and green zebra-striped foliage and coppery pink plumes that rise above the plant in late summer and autumn. Ornamental Maiden Grasses: How To Grow Maiden Grass, Aphelandra Zebra Houseplant - Growing Info And Zebra Plant Care, Calathea Zebra Plants: How To Take Care Of A Calathea Zebra Houseplant, Growing Southern Conifers – Learn About Coniferous Trees In Southern States, Pacific Northwest Conifers – Choosing Coniferous Plants For Pacific Northwest, Can I Prune Conifers – Pruning Coniferous Trees, Deadheading Petunias: How To Deadhead Petunia Flowers. Zebra grass seldom needs supplemental fertilizer and will thrive in nutrient-poor soil for years. Perfect for smaller gardens, flowers reliably every year even in colder weather. Wave Petunia Plants: How To Care For Wave Petunias, About Hickory Trees – Tips For Growing A Hickory Tree, Spruce Trees For Landscaping - Spruce It Up With Evergreens, Western Juniper Trees: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly, Evergreens For Winter Interest: Growing Holly In Gardens, Christmas Tree Alternative: Decorating An Outdoor Tree For Birds. Extremely compact, Chinese Silver Grass 'Little Kitten' is perfect for small gardens. Refer to the fertilizer container to determine specific rates of application. Caring Water your zebra grass 2 – 3 times a week during the first growing season. Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Zebra'. Grow it as a specimen plant at the back of a floral border to contrast with brightly coloured blooms. Dyer began her writing career as a staff writer at a community newspaper and is now a full-time commercial writer. How to Prune Zebra Grass. Feed zebra grass lightly every spring, using a light application of a balanced, general-purpose garden fertilizer. The graceful zebra grass plant (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebinus’) is sometimes referred to as maiden grass, Japanese silver grass and eulalia. Provide a full sun environment and plenty of water for best growth. The plant is perennial but the foliage dies off in cold weather, leaving an architecturally interesting skeleton. The dwarf Zebra grass is low maintenance, disease and deer resistant, and salt, pollution, and drought tolerant. Make sure, you plant zebra grass in containers that have drainage holes. Foliage should be left standing throughout the winter for visual interest and crown protection. Buy Ornamental Grasses » Popular Little Zebra Grass Companion Plants. It grows even when exposed to salt-spray, and both deer and rabbits don’t eat it. This grass produces best in moist soils or even boggy riparian edges but established grasses can tolerate short periods of drought. The plants are hardy to USDA plant hardiness zones 4 to 9. She is an Oregon State University Master Gardener and Master Naturalist and holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative nonfiction writing. Its clumping habit makes it perfect when planted in groups as a hedge or alone in a container. Thereafter, the plant is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from irrigation during long periods of warm, dry weather. Cut zebra grass down to within 5 inches before new growth emerges in spring. Cut foliage close to the ground in late winter just before new shoots appear. Sign up for our newsletter. They may get some foliar rusts or small leaf damage from chewing insects, but for the most part the plant is quite strong and hardy. Despite being half the size of the orignial, ... Spring/Summer Care: No maintenance needed. She writes about a variety of topics, with a focus on sustainable, pesticide- and herbicide-free gardening. Zebra grass also has stunning variegated leaves with creamy golden stripes that cut horizontally across the otherwise green blades of grass. Care Attributes This hardy, compact, warm season, perennial grass forms a thick clump of upright, arching, green leaves with broad, vivid yellow, horizontal bands; showy, red-purple, fan-like plumes rise above the foliage, maturing to tan; nice cut flower; nice winter interest; deer resistant; drought tolerant once established. Washington State University Clark County Extension: Zebra Grass, Mahoney's: Zebra Grass -- Miscanthus Sinensis "Zebrinus". Purplish-red plumes dart to 6' in late summer and turn a pretty parchment in fall. Little Zebra Maidenhair Grass, Miscanthus, brings exotic beauty with its deep green blades marked with horizontal yellow stripes. CARE. Water the zebra grass plant two to three times every week during the first growing season to keep the soil consistently damp; zebra grass prefers moist soil. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Report An Inaccuracy. This dwarf selection has creamy yellow bands that appear in horizontal lines across the leaves. The Little Zebra Grass should be grown in full sun for the best color and structure. It stands tall (with an arching form) as a green sentinel in your landscape all summer, then it puts out tiny white blooms, followed by a seed head plumes that offers late-season visual interest. Remove any damaged foliage as it occurs. Dwarf version of 'Zebrinus' with the same deep green leaf with a vertical golden stripe. Water Chestnut Facts – Can You Grow Water Chestnuts In Gardens? Ideal for planting in containers and pots. Other common names zebra grass zebra-striped grass Family Poaceae Genus Miscanthus can be deciduous or evergreen grasses with tufted or spreading habit, erect stems bearing arching, linear leaves and terminal panicles of silky spikelets in late summer or autumn Don't cut the plant down in autumn, because the foliage provides interest to the winter landscape. See something wrong with this plant file? The plants work well in containers, but will need more water than those in the garden bed. Its striking foliage transforms to yellow and orange in fall, then softens to beige in winter. Zebra grass is suitable for growing in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9. A rarely available, vibrant selection of the popular stripy Zebra Grass, Miscanthus 'Little Zebra' has attractive gold striping and fluffy plumes of deep red-pink flowers. Zebra grass is a favorite among the ornamental grasses and with good reason. Edit or improve upon this plant file by clicking here. Although the plant is drought tolerant, it benefits from irrigation during the warm and dry … Zebra ornamental grass can get up to 6 feet (2 m.) high, and produces a spectacular screen or specimen plant. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Zebra' (Eulalia 'Little Zebra' ) will reach a height of 1.2m and a spread of 0.9m after 2-5 years. In late summer and fall pinkish-red feathery flowers appear. 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