Miscanthus 'Zebrinus' is a distinctive ornamental grass known for its bold horizontal gold bands across arching green leaves. In late summer it produces large reddish copper flower plumes that age to silvery beige.
Height & Spread: 5 - 7 ft x 3 - 5 ft
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained soil; tolerates clay and loam
Watering Needs: Moderate
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
Selected from Miscanthus sinensis, a grass native to East Asia. Cultivated for ornamental value in garden settings.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- Provides cover and structure for nesting and perching birds, particularly sparrows and goldfinches during fall and winter.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 3 - 5 ft apart to highlight the arching form and striping pattern in mass plantings or focal settings.
Landscape Placement
- Use in large mixed borders, naturalized areas, or as a bold accent in expansive plantings. Particularly effective when backlit to highlight leaf variegation.
Companion Plants
- Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Firetail' - Adds long lasting red flower spikes and lush green foliage at the base of Miscanthus.
- Helianthus 'Lemon Queen' - Introduces tall, soft yellow blooms that complement the zebra striped foliage.
- Veronicastrum virginicum - Adds vertical purple spikes that echo grass form but contrast in texture.
- Calamagrostis brachytricha - Offers earlier blooming fluffy flower heads and more compact habit for layering effects.
- Amsonia hubrichtii - Provides fine feathery foliage and golden fall color that echoes Miscanthus plumes.