SKU: 1395 Zebra Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus') in 4 inch cups

Features

• Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming ornamental grass with gracefully arching, fountain-like foliage.
• Mature Size: 5–7 feet tall (6–8 feet in bloom) and 4–6 feet wide.
• Growth Rate: Fast-growing.
• Bloom Color: Coppery-pink flower plumes that mature to silvery-white.
• Bloom Time: Late summer through early fall.
• Fragrance: None.
• Fruit Flavor: Produces ornamental seed heads that are not edible.
• Culinary Uses: None.
• Medicinal Uses: No recognized medicinal uses.
• Wildlife Value: Provides shelter for birds and beneficial insects; seed heads may offer limited food for birds during winter.
• Wildlife & Pest Resistance: Highly resistant to deer and rabbits; generally free of serious insect pests and diseases.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9.
• Sun Preference: Full sun for the strongest striped foliage and best flowering; tolerates light partial shade.
• Drought Tolerance: Good once established, though occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods keeps plants looking their best.
• Soil Preference: Adaptable to most well-drained soils, including clay, loam, and sandy soils.

When and How to Prune

• Leave foliage and plumes standing throughout fall and winter to provide seasonal interest and protect the crown.
• In late winter or very early spring, before new growth emerges, cut the entire clump back to 4–6 inches above the ground using sharp hedge shears or pruning loppers.
• Wear gloves, as the leaf edges can be sharp.
• Divide mature clumps every 3–5 years in early spring if the center begins to thin or flowering declines.

Planting Instructions (From a 3.5" Pot)

1. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
2. Dig a hole twice as wide as the 3.5-inch pot and approximately the same depth as the root ball.
3. Remove the plant from its container and gently loosen any tightly circling roots.
4. Place the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
5. Backfill with native soil, incorporating compost if desired to improve drainage and fertility.
6. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
7. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping mulch a few inches away from the crown.
8. Water regularly during the first growing season until the root system becomes well established.

Overwintering Steps

1. Leave foliage and flower plumes intact through winter to insulate the crown and provide wildlife habitat and ornamental interest.
2. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base after the first hard frost in colder regions.
3. Avoid excessive winter moisture by planting in well-drained soil.
4. In late winter or early spring, cut the previous year's foliage back to 4–6 inches before new shoots begin to emerge.
5. Remove old mulch if it has become compacted, then refresh with a new layer after spring growth begins.
6. Divide large, overcrowded clumps every few years in early spring to maintain vigor and encourage healthy new growth.

With its bold horizontal striping, graceful arching form, and attractive flower plumes, Zebra Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus') provides dramatic texture and year-round landscape interest, making it one of the most distinctive ornamental grasses for gardens, borders, and privacy plantings.