Little Zebra Grass

Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Zebra'

Poaceae

• Full sun
• 3'–4' tall × 3'–4' wide (flower plumes to 5')
• Drought Tolerant: Yes – once established; moderate drought tolerance
• Evergreen: No
• Flower Color/Bloom Time: Reddish-pink plumes fading to silvery-white, August–October
• Wildlife Benefits: Seed heads attract birds in fall and winter; foliage provides small wildlife cover

'Little Zebra' is a compact, dwarf cultivar of the classic Zebra Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus'), offering the same distinctive horizontal gold-banded foliage pattern in a much smaller, neater package. It forms a tidy, upright-arching clump of green leaves marked with irregular bands of creamy-yellow to gold that run across the blade perpendicular to the midrib — the zebra striping that gives the plant its common name. Unlike the sometimes floppy full-sized Zebra Grass, 'Little Zebra' holds its form well throughout the season. It thrives in full sun in Spokane and tolerates a range of well-drained soils.

The horizontally banded foliage of 'Little Zebra' provides ornamental interest from spring through hard frost, with the gold banding becoming more pronounced as temperatures rise in summer. From August through October, reddish-pink to coppery plumes emerge on arching stems, creating a striking contrast against the striped foliage. As the season progresses, the plumes fade to an attractive silvery-white and the foliage takes on warm gold and orange tones in autumn. The entire plant is structurally attractive through winter. The unique variegation makes this cultivar a standout accent plant in any setting.

Like other Miscanthus cultivars, 'Little Zebra' provides modest wildlife value. The persistent seed heads attract finches and sparrows during fall and winter, and the clumps provide cover for small ground-dwelling birds and beneficial insects. Its smaller size makes it more versatile and better behaved in residential garden settings than larger Miscanthus cultivars. It produces relatively little viable seed in inland Pacific Northwest climates, reducing concerns about unwanted spread.

The compact size and distinctive striped foliage of 'Little Zebra' make it exceptionally versatile in the landscape. It works well as a specimen or focal point in mixed borders, as a container plant, in small-space gardens, and along driveways or pathways. It is an excellent choice where a bold textural element is desired without the large footprint of full-sized Maiden Grass cultivars. Companion plants that showcase its banded foliage beautifully include Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass, Purple Coneflower, Rudbeckia, Russian Sage, and Blue Fescue. Cut back to 4"–6" in late winter before new growth emerges.