Plant Type

Perennial, Grass

 

Height Range

3-6', 6-12'

 

Flower Color

Pink

 

Flower Season

Summer, Fall

 

Leaf Color

Green, White, Variegated

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

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

 

Special Uses

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

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Zebra grass is a dynamic addition to a garden. This Miscanthus has an upright, arching habit, and wide green leaves with distinctive yellow banding. Its plume emerges coppery pink in late summer, then turns a lovely tawny color that lasts through the fall and into the winter. The foliage clumps grow about 5 to 6 feet tall and wide, with the plume standing an additional 1 to 2 feet above the foliage.

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.