Botanical Name: Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Zebra'
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Common Name: Little Zebra Maidengrass  
Plant photo of: Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Zebra'
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Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass

 

Height Range

3-6'

 

Flower Color

Purple

 

Flower Season

Summer, Fall

 

Leaf Color

Green, Yellow, Variegated

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium, Extra in Summer

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish, Tropical

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Specimen, Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Raised Planter

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:

  • Description

  • Notes

Little Zebra is a naturally occurring dwarf form of Zebra grass. It has the same upward, arching habit, and same wide green foliage with yellow banding. Plumes emerge late summer, a lovely wine purple, eventually turning a tawny hue. Grows about 4 feet tall and wide, with the plumes about a foot higher.
Miscanthus grow in full sun to bright shade, though white variegated forms appreciate a little mid-day shade. Provide well drained soils; sandy-loam to clay-loam will do just fine. All Miscanthus should be cut back in late winter to early spring, about the time that spring bulbs are emerging. Cut back to within inches of the ground. Like other ornamental grasses, Miscanthus pairs well with spring flowering bulbs. See Guides for details.