The zebra grass is a real eye-catcher with its striped stalks. Under optimal conditions, this reed grows into a lush plant even in this country.
Zebra grass (Miscanthus sinensis zebrinus) attracts attention and is simply a particularly striking eye-catcher in every garden. The special species of Chinese reed owes this to its white or yellow stripes. The horizontal stripes also gave the popular ornamental plant its name. Zebra grass is easy to care for and grows to a handsome size. If the location and substrate are right, nothing stands in the way of the plant from Asia growing and thriving. In the following, we will tell you what you need to consider when planting zebra grass.
Plant Description
Zebra grass can be distinguished from the other representatives of Chinese reed at first glance. The culms are crossed by white or yellow horizontal stripes at almost accurate intervals. The plant grows luxuriantly, with the individual stalks reaching a height of up to 1.5 meters. When the zebra grass is in bloom, it often grows to almost two meters in height. The brown panicles look like tufts of feathers and shimmer slightly silvery. Zebra grass blooms in autumn, but quite rarely in our latitudes. The summers are usually too short and too cool.
After long and hot summers, the chances of flowering zebra grass are particularly good.
Is zebra grass poisonous?
Zebra grass can find its place in the family garden without hesitation, because the ornamental grass is completely non-toxic to humans and animals. In its original homeland Asia, the Chinese reed is also used as a fodder plant and rabbits and guinea pigs have already developed a taste for the zebra grass in our latitudes.
What types of zebra grass are there?
There are different varieties of zebra grass on the market. The growth habit makes a difference. In addition to the upright varieties, which are also very suitable as windbreaks, zebra grass can also convince with a rather overhanging growth. In small gardens, the species with an upright habit are better. Feel overhanging plantsparticularly well in isolation on larger plots.
Short portrait of some zebra grass species
| Zebra Grass Art | Description |
|---|---|
| Strictus | • upright growth up to approx. 1.80 metres • conspicuous yellow horizontal stripes on the stalks • very suitable as a hedge plant |
| Cosmopolitan | • can reach heights of growth of up to three meters • very suitable for planting alone • white horizontal stripes on the stalks |
| Adagio | • remarkably dense growth • can also be kept in a tub • plentiful flowering |
Origin, distribution and use
The sweet grass, also often referred to as elephant grass, comes from East Asia and is particularly widespread in Japan, China and Korea. There, zebra grass grows both in coastal areas and at altitudes of up to around 1,800 meters. In Asia, zebra grass is grown commercially.
In Asia, the brown panicles appear in summer.
Zebra grass was introduced in the USA as an ornamental plant and was able to spread uncontrollably through seeds. Particularly extensive deposits can be found along the Atlantic coast. In Europe, the plant has been cultivated as an ornamental plant since the 1950s.
In its native Asia, zebra grass is planted specifically as wind and privacy protection. It is also commonly used as a material for mats and braiding. Its use as a fodder plant has also become established in our latitudes. Guinea pigs and rabbits like to eat the non-toxic sweet grass.
Find the right location
The quite uncomplicated zebra grass can be used in many ways. Plantings near ponds are popular. The sweet grass also provides perspective and structure in perennial borders. When planted individually, you will be able to observe particularly well how the zebra grass spreads luxuriantly and increases in growth every garden year. Since the grass can grow to an impressive height of around two meters, it is also popular for use as a privacy screen.
» Tip: If the zebra grass is to be planted as a hedge, the planting distance should be at least one meter.
The Zebra Gas prefers a sunny to half-shady site. If the location chosen is too shady, hobby gardeners will probably have to accept limitations in the abundance of flowers and the color effect of the sweet grass.
The strong stalks of zebra grass defy wind and weather. relatedRestrictions are not absolutely necessary. While the culms will not snap, they can become quite disheveled and unsightly after storms. The pretty grasses come into their own best in a sunny and sheltered location.
» Tip: In a location that is too shady and too cool, the zebra grass loses its characteristic leaf markings over time.
Coming soon:
- sunny
- light
- wind protected
- near the pond
- alone
- in perennial beds
Selecting the ideal substrate
The zebra grass makes some demands on the soil. The moisture content of the substrate should be well balanced. The soil must appear neither too wet nor too dry. Poor soil will also not do the sweet grass any good. Since zebra grass does not tolerate waterlogging, the permeability of the soil is particularly important. Rain and irrigation water must therefore be able to drain off well and must not accumulate in the ground, which would damage the roots of the plant. If the substrate has both loamy and sandy parts, the soil is ideal for the decorative ornamental grass.
If you have the opportunity to determine the pH of the soil, don't miss it. If the value is between 4.6 and 7.5, ideal soil conditions can be assumed. When planting, also ensure that the topsoil is appropriately thick. This should not be less than 36 cm.
Coming soon:
- permeable
- nutrient rich
- humos
- sandy
- loamy
Planting zebra grass - explained step by step
❶ Select location
❷ Prepare soil
❸ Dig planting hole
❹ Prepare excavation
❺ Insert root barrier
❻ Plant❼ Fill up the substrate
❽ Press down the soil well
❾ Water the plant well
Once you have selected the right location, the soil must first be prepared for planting. Clear the soil of weeds, stones and roots. You can then dig the planting hole. This should be at least twice the size of the root ball.
» Tip: During soil preparation, the plant should be placed in a bucket so that the root ball can be sufficiently soaked with liquid before planting.
Put the excavation in a wheelbarrow, you can prepare the substrate well there and bring in mature compost, bark humus or horn shavings. This natural long-term fertilizer promotes plant growth.
So that youIf zebra grass does not grow too much, you should not forget to create a root barrier when planting. This prevents the roots of the zebra grass from spreading uncontrollably. The plants form rhizomes and can extend their roots up to 2.5 meters deep. Root barriers are commercially available and consist of a stable geotextile. Make sure you line the planting hole completely with the root barrier and close it well so that the plant cannot burst it.
The plant is placed in the middle of the prepared planting hole and now you fill up the prepared substrate. Firmly press down the soil and water the zebra grass copiously at first.
» Tip: Place a watering rim about ten centimeters high around the plant. Then the zebra grass can absorb the irrigation water better.
Adapt the planting distance to the growth height of Chinese reed
Reed Style
Reed
Half-tall Reed
Zebra Grass
Dwarf Reed
Height in cm
to 300
to 160
to 300 to 150
Planting distance in cm
150 to 180
100 to 120
120 to 150
80 to 100
Planting zebra grass in tubs
The easy-care and uncomplicated zebra grass can also be cultivated in a bucket. Since the plant grows quite quickly and luxuriantly, you will need to transplant it more often. If you decide on a larger planter right from the start, the sweet grass can remain in the bucket for the first two to three years.
» Tip: The right bucket for the zebra grass should have a volume of at least 30 liters.
Make sure there are enough drainage holes in the bottom for liquid. Potted plants are particularly susceptible to waterlogging. Before planting in the bucket, you should create a drainage so that the water can drain off better. To do this, place potsherds, grit or expanded clay on the bottom of the vessel. Cover it with a fleece that is permeable to water and air and then fill it up with substrate.
» Tip: Leave a rim about five centimeters wide on the planter to prevent water from spilling out uncontrollably.
The most important facts at a glance
| Activity | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Set Location | • The plant comes into its own in a sunny location. • Planting at the edge of a pond or inPerennial borders. • Blossoms and leaf markings suffer if the area is too shady. |
| Select substrate | • The plants need a loose and nutrient-rich substrate. • The irrigation water must always be able to drain off well so that there is no waterlogging. • A loamy, sandy soil offers the sweet grass the best growth conditions. |
| planting | • The zebra grass should be watered before planting. • The planting hole should be dug at least twice the width of the root ball. • A root barrier should be placed in the planting hole before planting. |