Miscanthus 'Little Zebra'

Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Zebra': Striking Stripes in a Manageable Form

Compact and boldly banded, Miscanthus 'Little Zebra' brings distinctive variegation and tidy structure to the sunny garden. Its green blades are horizontally striped with creamy yellow, forming an upright, vase-shaped clump that catches the eye even before it blooms. In late summer, rosy-purple plumes rise above the foliage, softening the strong lines with a feathery touch and maturing to a silvery tan in fall. With a smaller footprint than full-sized zebra grasses, this well-behaved cultivar offers big impact in modest spaces.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 90–120 cm (in flower)
• Spread: 60–90 cm
• Flower Colour: Rosy-purple maturing to silvery tan
• Flowering Period: Late summer to fall
• Foliage: Green blades with horizontal yellow bands; turns golden-bronze in fall
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil; drought tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: 'Little Zebra' is perfect for adding texture and colour to borders, small gardens, or containers. Its bold foliage pattern plays beautifully against solid-coloured perennials, while the late plumes bring vertical interest and movement. Drought tolerant and deer resistant, it’s a low-maintenance option for gardeners looking to blend ornamental flair with easy care.

Companion Plants: Combine Miscanthus 'Little Zebra' with Sedum 'Autumn Joy' for bold, late-season blooms and strong contrast in form. Add Aster 'Wood's Pink' for a flush of cheerful fall flowers. Finish the look with Rudbeckia hirta 'Indian Summer', whose large golden blooms echo the grass’s warm variegation and add lasting seasonal colour.

Care Instructions: Grow in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment; drought tolerant once mature. Cut back old growth in early spring before new shoots emerge. Divide every 3–4 years to rejuvenate and maintain compact form.

History: A dwarf selection of the popular zebra grass, 'Little Zebra' was bred for its compact size and vivid horizontal striping. It combines the bold appeal of Miscanthus with a scale suited to urban gardens and contemporary landscapes.

Final Thoughts: Boldly patterned and neatly sized, Miscanthus 'Little Zebra' is the perfect blend of playful texture and practical performance—an easygoing grass with undeniable visual punch.