How to Care for Dwarf Zebra Grass

Dwarf zebra grass (Miscanthus sinensis "Little Zebra") has medium green blades adorned with lighter green or gold stripes. It grows up to 4 feet high and forms tidy mounds approximately 3 feet in diameter. Dwarf zebra grass is prized for its striking foliage but also produces notable purple-tinged blooms during late summer or early fall. The flowers develop a brown hue as seeds develop. Dwarf zebra grass thrives in nearly any soil with good drainage. It grows well in full sun or part shade and is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5 through 9.

Things You'll Need

Spade
Mulch

Balanced natural fertilizer
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Dig a hole that is wide enough to accommodate the roots of the dwarf zebra grass with ease. Make the hole just deep enough to plant the grass at the level it was previously growing.
- 2
  Place the roots into the prepared hole and cover them with soil. Pat down to firm and water until the soil feels lightly moist.
- 3
  Mulch around the grass to prevent weed growth and to keep its roots from drying out.
- 4
  Water as necessary to keep the top inch of soil lightly moist during the first season after planting. Water only when the weather is very dry during following seasons.
- 5
  Fertilize dwarf zebra grass once each spring with balanced natural fertilizer, in the amount suggested on package directions. Do not fertilize again unless new growth appears spindly and yellow.
- 6
  Cut the foliage of dwarf zebra grass back to a height of 4 inches in late winter or very early spring.

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