Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus'

Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus', Zebra Grass, is the most exotic of the many cultivars of Miscanthus sinensis, a tall-growing grass species native to Eastern Asia. Zebra Grass has one of the most dramatic foliage variegation patterns of any in the plant kingdom consisting of irregular transverse bands of creamy white and green arranged horizontally across the entire length of the gracefully-arching leaves. This variegation turns a more pronounced yellow as the growing season progresses and with its tall tightly-clumped fountain-like growth bursting from the ground, Miscanthus sinenis 'Zebrinus' forms an irrisistible focal point in any garden. Capped by tall silky quills of soft-pinkish-purple flowers in late summer that tower over the foliage, Zebra Grass seems to perform a constant process of transformation throughout the year with a grand finale in autumn when the foliage turns a golden russet and the flower plumes fade to a luminous silvery white that catch the low autumn light and shimmer in the breeze .

Easy to cultivate and very undemanding, Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus' prefers full sun and will grow in a wide range of well-drained soils. The wild strains of Miscanthus sinensis can be found growing in Asia along gravel-beds alongside rivers and waterways. The winter foliage can be left on the plant to provide protection to the growing crown and then cut back in late winter just before the new Spring growth commences.