Extension Communications
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
(515) 294-9915
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Extension Communications |
9/23/04
Contacts:
Linda Naeve, Reiman Gardens, (515) 294-8946, lnaeve@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
Reiman's Pick For the week of Sept. 20, 2004
Zebra Grass is a Showstopper in the Garden
By Linda Naeve
Reiman Gardens
Iowa State University Extension
The floral and foliage display in perennial gardens is constantly changing throughout the year. Some plants provide only a few weeks of beauty, while others, such as zebra grass, Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus,' add color and texture to the landscape for several seasons.
Zebra grass is one of several cultivars of Miscanthus sinensis. This species is native to the mountain slopes and lowlands of Japan. The Japanese used the long leaves of this species as thatching material for roofs. Today these cultivars are grown in gardens worldwide and are the focal point in many gardens and landscapes.
With zebra grass as the common name, it is no surprise that the foliage has horizontal, irregular wide bands of cream and green. According to Rick Darke, ornamental grass expert, many people consider zebra grass as the same plant as M. sinensis 'Strictus' because of similar foliage patterns. Darke notes that on close comparison, the leaves on 'Strictus' are held more upright for a spiky effect like porcupine quills, hence its common name is porcupine grass.
Zebra grass grows in tight clumps with long, arching leaves. The clump expands in circumference by means of short, underground rhizomes. Fortunately, they retain their round, clump shape and tidy appearance.
Zebra grass is a warm-season grass that does best planted and divided in the spring. Hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 5, it is a good choice for Midwest gardens because it is adaptable to most well-drained soils and is tolerant of summer heat and humidity.
The fountain-like foliage of zebra grass will reach five to six feet tall by mid-summer and up to eight-feet in mid-September when its wispy, copper-tinted plumes rise above the plant. In the fall, the foliage turns to rich gold and the plumes fade to nearly white.
To provide additional protection for the crowns and visual interest, leave dried plants standing in the garden throughout the winter. In the spring, cut the dead foliage back before new growth appears.
Zebra grass adds elegance and texture to the landscape when grown as a single specimen in front of a building or in a perennial border. Several planted in a row create a unique screen or border and a magnificent display of fine-textured foliage.
Zebra grass is currently performing along with other attractive grasses in the ornamental grass display and in the Patty Jischke Children's Garden at Iowa State University's Reiman Gardens.
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Editors: A color photo, suitable for publication, is available at right. Click on the thumbnail photo to go to the fullsized photo. The picture's fullsize photo is 588K. Caption: Zebra grass adds interest and texture to landscapes and gardens. As its name implies, the plant's unique striped foliage has wide, horizontal bands of cream and green. Flower plumes appear on these six- to eight-foot tall plants in mid-September and continue through early winter. |
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