Zebra grass, advice on how to plant and care for Miscanthus sinensis

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Tall, swaying fronds rise to head height and beyond, and the distinctive floral scapes they carry stay on the plant through the coldest months. Zebra grass (Miscanthus sinensis) works as both windbreak and ornament, thriving in full sun; ask no more of it than one low haircut a year and it grows itself.

Planting zebra grass, Chinese silver grass

Planting is best performed in spring in soil amended with soil mix. It’s also possible to plant in fall, especially if it doesn’t get too cold in winter in your area.

There are different ways of planting it:

• as a standalone,
• in clusters to make Zebra grass flower beds,
• and along a line to form a hedge (much like bana grass, another grassy hedge that’s great to lock intruders out).

Three ways to use zebra grass in the garden

The same plant can play three very different roles, and the choice you make decides how you space and set it out. Here is what each way of planting gives you.

Whichever role you give it, plant in spring, or in autumn if winters stay mild where you live.

Zebra grass care

Best is to find a sunny spot for it.

For hedges, plant them 3 feet apart (1 m).

Water often, and alot, during the first and second year.

Later on, you won’t need to water anymore.

As described below, the only care you’ll need to give it is a yearly trimming at the end of winter.

Trimming zebra grass, Chinese silver grass

At the end of winter or very beginning of spring, as soon as sprouts appear, cut back the stalks with pruning shears.

Give the clump a low haircut at that time.

If you want to multiply your Miscanthus, do so through crown division in spring:

• With a spade, chop the clump in half
• Tease out the portion that you want to move
• Plant it in its new spot, and water abundantly

Learn more about Miscanthus sinensis

Windbreaker and ornament are two of the garden uses that this perennial offers.

It is recognizable thanks to its distinctive floral scapes and stalks that remain on the plant all winter long.

This grass only requires very little care and makes for easy growing.

Smart tip about zebra grass, also called maiden grass

You can set it up in a bed or as a standalone, and spread pozzolana for mulch: it is particularly well suited to this plant and matches its ornamental style well.