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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Zebra'

Little Zebra Grass

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.

Light

Full sun

Water

Average; drought-tolerant once established

Bloom time

Late summer

Find this plant

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.