Little Zebra Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Zebra') is a popular dwarf ornamental grass known for its striking horizontal yellow bands on green foliage. It offers year-round interest with its compact, arching form and feathery plumes that emerge in late summer.
Key Characteristics
Size: Typically grows 3–4 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide. It is significantly smaller than the standard Zebra Grass (Zebrinus), which can reach 7–8 feet.
Foliage: Features distinctive, alternating horizontal bands of green and yellow that remain vibrant throughout the growing season.
Flowers: Produces wine-purple or reddish plumes starting in late summer (August) that fade to a creamy tan in winter.
Hardiness: Perennial in USDA Zones 5–9
Growth and Care
Light: Performs best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Soil: Highly adaptable to various soil types, including clay and sandy soils. It prefers average to moist, well-drained conditions.
Maintenance: Low maintenance. Prune the grass back to about 3–6 inches above the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Resilience: Generally deer-resistant, salt-tolerant, and drought-tolerant once established