Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Zebra'
Little Zebra Grass
- Family
- Poaceae
- Height
- 3–4 feet
- Width
- 2–3 feet
- Flower color
- Reddish-purple
- Foliage color
- Green with cream-colored horizontal banding
- Bloom time
- Late summer
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Average; drought-tolerant once established
- Maintenance
- Prune to 4–6 inches above the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5–9
- Wildlife
- Attracts butterflies; deer-resistant
About this plant
Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Zebra' is a compact ornamental grass with distinctive, variegated foliage. The narrow, arching leaves are green with creamy white stripes, creating a bold, striped effect. In late summer to early fall, the plant produces feathery, reddish flower plumes that rise above the foliage, offering a soft contrast to the bold leaves. These flower heads continue in the landscape throughout the fall and winter, making 'Little Zebra' a standout plant even in the colder months.
'Little Zebra' is smaller than many other Miscanthus varieties, making it perfect for smaller gardens, borders, or containers. It thrives in full sun, where it is both drought-tolerant and relatively low-maintenance once established. This variety adds a unique touch to gardens with its colorful foliage and delicate flower plumes.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Waterwise Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Asters · Catmint · Coreopsis · Bearded irises · Bee balm · Yarrow
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Give it open sun and room to fill out, and repeat it in threes or fives so the planting reads as one sweep instead of scattered dots.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
