SKU: 1280 Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus) Live Plants in 2.5 inch pots

Key Features

• Growth Habit: Upright, arching, clump-forming ornamental grass with a graceful fountain-like shape.
• Bloom Color: Coppery-pink flower plumes that mature to silvery-white in fall.
• Fragrance:  The leaves contain natural oils (like citronellal and geraniol) that give off a refreshing citrus or lemon scent when caressed or bruised
• Fruit Flavor: None; ornamental plant that does not produce edible fruit.
• Culinary Uses: None.
• Medicinal Uses: No widely recognized medicinal uses.
• Possible Toxicity: Considered non-toxic to people, dogs, cats, and horses. The sharp leaf edges may cause minor skin irritation or cuts when handling.
• Wildlife & Pest Resistance: Provides shelter for birds and beneficial insects; generally resistant to deer, rabbits, and most insect pests and diseases.
• Planting Zone: Hardy in USDA Zones 9–11
• Sun Preferences: Full sun for the strongest foliage color, best flowering, and upright growth; tolerates light partial shade.
• Drought Tolerance: Good once established; performs best with occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods.
• Mature Size: can reach up to 6 feet in height and width.

When and How to Prune

• Leave the attractive foliage and seed heads standing through fall and winter for seasonal interest and to help protect the crown.
• In late winter or very early spring, before new growth begins, cut the entire clump back to 4–6 inches above the ground using hedge shears or pruning loppers.
• Remove any dead or damaged foliage during the growing season as needed.
• Divide mature clumps every 3–5 years in spring if plants become crowded or the center begins to thin.

Planting Instructions (from a 3.5" pot into the ground)

1. Plant in spring or early fall when temperatures are mild.
2. Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil.
3. Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot and about the same depth.
4. Remove the plant from the pot and gently loosen any circling roots.
5. Place the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
6. Backfill with native soil, gently firm the soil around the roots, and water thoroughly.
7. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the plant, keeping mulch a few inches away from the crown.
8. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system, then reduce watering as the plant matures.
9. Space plants 4–6 feet apart to allow room for their mature size and graceful arching habit.

Overwintering Steps

• Zebra Grass is winter hardy throughout its growing range and typically requires little winter protection.
• Leave foliage and flower plumes intact throughout winter to provide visual interest and natural insulation for the crown.
• Apply a light layer of mulch around the base in colder climates after the ground freezes to help moderate soil temperature fluctuations.
• Avoid cutting the plant back until late winter or early spring, as the old foliage helps protect emerging buds.
• In areas with heavy snowfall, gently tie the foliage together in late fall if desired to prevent stems from splaying.
• Resume regular watering in spring as new growth emerges and remove old foliage before fresh shoots begin growing.

Zebra Grass is an outstanding ornamental for creating bold vertical accents, natural privacy screens, and dramatic four-season landscapes. Its unmistakable striped foliage, graceful flower plumes, exceptional durability, and easy-care nature make it one of the most popular ornamental grasses for home gardens and commercial landscapes alike.