Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus,’ or Zebra Grass, is a popular perennial cultivar of Chinese silver grass. It is prized for the unique visual texture and multi-season interest it brings to the landscape. The plant is immediately recognizable due to the unusual markings that inspired its common name, and its appearance changes significantly throughout the growing season.
The Distinctive Horizontal Striping
The defining characteristic of Zebra Grass is the eye-catching pattern of horizontal bands across its leaf blades. These marks are not vertical stripes running parallel to the leaf edges, as seen in many other variegated grasses, but instead form irregular bars perpendicular to the blade’s length. These distinctive bands are typically creamy yellow or soft gold, contrasting sharply with the emerald-green foliage.
This striking variegation is a form of chlorosis, meaning the yellow or white color represents areas where chlorophyll production is absent or significantly reduced.
In the spring, the new foliage emerges as solid green, and the signature striping does not immediately appear. The characteristic golden bands begin to show only after the initial period of vigorous growth, typically emerging fully by mid-summer.
Growth Habit and Physical Dimensions
Zebra Grass is a dense, clump-forming perennial that expands slowly outward rather than spreading aggressively via underground runners. The plant’s overall structure is characterized by gracefully arching stems and leaves, creating a rounded, fountain-like shape. The slender foliage weeps slightly toward the ground, adding a sense of movement and fine texture to the landscape.
When fully mature, Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’ typically reaches a substantial height, ranging from 5 to 8 feet tall. The clump can spread to a width of 4 to 6 feet, making it a significant presence that requires ample space to display its arching form. The individual leaves are linear, long, and relatively narrow, generally measuring up to 3 to 4 feet in length. The dense volume of foliage makes the plant effective for privacy screening or as a tall background layer.
Autumn Color and Flower Plumes
Zebra Grass provides a dramatic visual display with its late-season color change and the emergence of its floral structures. The green and gold foliage transforms during mid-fall, taking on warmer hues. The leaves shift to rich shades of gold, coppery-yellow, or sometimes orange before fading to a pale tan or beige.
The flower plumes begin to emerge in late summer, often appearing as early as late August, extending the ornamental interest well into the cooler months. These structures rise above the foliage clump on stiff stems, adding an extra foot or two of overall height.
The flowers initially appear as small, tassel-like clusters with a distinct pinkish-copper or pink-red tint. As the season progresses and the seeds mature, the airy, feathery plumes dry out and expand, transitioning to a soft, buff-silver or silvery-white color. The dried flower plumes and faded foliage remain standing throughout the winter, providing vertical structure and texture against a snowy or barren landscape. Cutting back is only required in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.