Miscanthus 'Zebrinus'

Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus': Playful Pattern with Prairie Charm

A true conversation piece in the garden, Miscanthus 'Zebrinus' is known for its bold, horizontal gold banding that gives each blade a distinctive striped look. This variegated “Zebra Grass” forms a tall, arching clump of foliage that brings both whimsy and structure to sunny borders. In late summer, soft pinkish plumes emerge high above the foliage, creating a feathery contrast to the strong lines below. As autumn progresses, the foliage turns warm golden-bronze, enhancing its prairie-inspired appeal and adding texture through winter.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 180–210 cm (in flower)
• Spread: 90–120 cm
• Flower Colour: Pinkish-tan maturing to silvery buff
• Flowering Period: Late summer to fall
• Foliage: Arching green blades with horizontal golden stripes; golden-bronze in fall
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil; drought tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: Ideal for bold borders, naturalistic plantings, or as a dynamic screen, 'Zebrinus' offers year-round interest and playful pattern. Its whimsical striping and showy plumes make it a natural companion to bright, late-season perennials. Deer resistant and easy to grow, it thrives in sunny spots and brings movement, texture, and light to larger garden spaces.

Companion Plants: Pair Miscanthus 'Zebrinus' with Aster oblongifolius 'October Skies' for a soft cloud of lavender-blue blooms. Add Rudbeckia hirta 'Indian Summer' for bold golden flowers that echo the grass’s variegation. Finish with Liatris spicata 'Kobold' to add upright spikes of purple for height and pollinator appeal.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first season to establish roots; once mature, it is drought tolerant. Cut back old foliage in early spring before new growth appears. Divide every 3–5 years to maintain form and vigour.

History: Originally native to East Asia, 'Zebrinus' has been a popular cultivar of Miscanthus sinensis for decades, prized for its bold striping and graceful, arching habit. It remains a favourite for gardeners looking to add pattern and texture to the sunny landscape.

Final Thoughts: With its golden stripes, fluttering plumes, and prairie charm, Miscanthus 'Zebrinus' brings personality and structure to the garden—proof that grasses can be both playful and elegant.