Miscanthus Zebrinus

Description

Miscanthus ‘Zebrinus’ – zebra grass

Botanical name: Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’
Common names: Zebra grass
Family: Poaceae (grass family)
Plant type: Deciduous perennial grass
Habit: Clump-forming, upright to arching
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 1.5–2m tall × 0.9–1.2m spread
Foliage: Arching green leaves banded horizontally with creamy-gold; deciduous
Flowers: Coppery plumes fading to silver in warm autumns, held above the foliage (September–October)
Scent: Not scented
Aspect / light: Full sun
Soil: Most fertile, moist but well-drained soils; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H6 (hardy, to about −20°C); USDA zones 5–9
Exposure: Open, sunny
Native range: Species (Miscanthus sinensis) native to eastern Asia
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Miscanthus ‘Zebrinus’, zebra grass, is a striking silver grass with arching green leaves banded horizontally with creamy-gold. Bold and graceful, it makes an eye-catching feature in sunny borders.

GardenAdvice notes

A distinctive and popular form of Chinese silver grass, zebra grass is grown for the unusual creamy-gold bands that run horizontally across its arching green leaves, catching the eye all season. More relaxed and arching than the stiffly upright ‘Strictus’, it forms a graceful, well-behaved clump that adds bold foliage interest and, in warm autumns, feathery plumes.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or early summer in most fertile, moist but well-drained soils in full sun — good light is essential for strong banding and to keep it standing well; in shade the markings fade and the plant flops. Space about 90cm apart. It establishes into an impressive clump over a few years.

Care & maintenance

Very low-maintenance. Leave the foliage and any plumes standing through winter for structure, then cut the whole plant down to the ground in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears. Water while establishing. Divide congested clumps in spring if needed.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide established clumps in mid to late spring, as growth begins.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free and robust, with few pests or diseases in a sunny, open position.

Uses in the garden

Superb as a specimen or focal point, in mixed and prairie-style borders, as a summer screen, and among bold foliage plantings, where the zebra banding draws the eye; the plumes are good for cutting.

Wildlife value

The winter stems and any seedheads provide valuable shelter and structure for wildlife through the colder months.

Toxicity & safety

Zebra grass is generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

The gold zebra banding needs full sun to develop well and to keep the plant standing upright — in too much shade the markings fade and it flops open, so give it your sunniest spot. It’s more relaxed and arching than the stiff porcupine grass ‘Strictus’, so allow it room to form its graceful fountain, and cut it right down in late winter.

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