Zebra grass with its striped blades is very popular in our gardens. With the right care, you will enjoy it for a long time.
If you are looking for an easy-care and decorative beginner's plant, zebra grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus') is a good choice. The sweet grass from Asia grows and thrives luxuriantly, in beds as well as in tubs. The characteristic drawing of the stalks is reminiscent of zebra stripes and gave the Chinese reed its name. No matter whether the zebra grass should make a name for itself at the edge of the pond in the future, enhance the perennial border, get a unique position in a sunny garden area or decorate the terrace in a bucket - you will have a lot of fun with this pretty ornamental grass. However, you should heed the following care instructions.
Watering zebra grass properly
Regular watering is important for zebra grass. You should, however, show a little finesse, because the soil must neither dry out nor appear too damp. However, the soil should feel rather damp and must not dry out completely over a longer period of time. If the soil is not permeable enough, permanently moist substrate quickly leads to waterlogging. Plants that are cultivated in tubs are particularly at risk.
Tip: With potted plants, drainage in the bottom of the container increases the permeability of the soil.
If the surface has dried slightly, the next watering is necessary. On hot days, repeated watering may be necessary. Water preferably in the morning and in the evening, because then the liquid can be better absorbed and most of it does not evaporate without really reaching the plant. If you water potted plants, the water should be removed from the saucer after a quarter of an hour at the latest. Leaving the water in the pot for too long can cause waterlogging and attack the roots of the zebra grass.
Tip: Do not water the zebra grass from above. As a result, less water reaches the roots and the damp stalks provide an entry point for fungi and pests.
Pouring zebra grass in properlyKeywords:
• water regularly
• substrate must not dry out
• avoid waterlogging
• do not water the plant from above
Fertilize zebra grass properly
The sweet grass needs numerous nutrients, especially immediately after planting. You should therefore upgrade the substrate when planting and make it more nutritious by adding compost or horn shavings.
Tip: If sufficient natural fertilizer is added during planting, no additional fertilizer needs to be added in the first year.
In the second year, the soil can then be provided with compost and horn shavings again in spring. Organic fertilizers during the growth period promote growth and flowering. This applies in particular to potted plants, which find a correspondingly lower supply of nutrients than zebra grass outdoors. Therefore, fertilize regularly every four weeks.
Fertilize zebra grass correctly in keywords
• Add compost and horn shavings when planting and refresh annually
• Provide monthly organic fertilizer during the summer months
Cutting zebra grass - what should be considered?
Zebra grass should be cut back once a year. With these pruning measures you ensure a pretty appearance of the ornamental grass and also help the plant itself to grow denser and more compact.
Pruning measures are often carried out in autumn. With zebra grass, however, it is recommended to leave the foliage on the plant over the winter. This protects the ornamental grass well from wet and cold. In addition, the foliage is a bizarre ornament in the rather dreary wintry garden.
Cut back zebra grass in early spring. You should not wait too long, because the budding should not have started yet.
Tip: If the zebra grass is cut back too late in spring, the fresh shoots can be injured.
When the first fresh green appears, it is time to remove the old stalks. Cut back liberally. You can make your work easier by fastening the old stalks in the upper area with a cord. Cut the stalks about a hand's breadth above the ground, making sure the cut is as straight as possible.
Tip: If the stalks are tied together at the top before cutting back, the sections can be disposed of much more easily.
The requirement for an evenCreating a cutting edge are sharp cutting tools.
Why cut back zebra grass in spring?
Zebra grass is hardy, but you should leave the stalks on the plant. Because these offer good protection against frost, which can also clog hardy plants. The blades of grass prevent the penetration of frost and cold and possible damage to the root area. Zebra grass is not only a pretty ornament in the garden in winter, but also serves as a welcome shelter for numerous animals.
Is zebra grass affected by diseases and pests?
The plant is extremely robust and not affected by any specific diseases or pests. However, it can happen that the stalks are nibbled on from time to time, but the pests usually let go of the plant and do not damage it permanently.
Care mistakes should be avoided so that the zebra grass grows luxuriantly and retains its decorative appearance. If the stalks discolour during the summer, the plant is too dry or the soil is too poor. It can help to water the ornamental grass more frequently and enrich the soil with a dose of mature compost.
Tip: If the zebra grass turns brown in autumn, this is completely normal. However, do not use scissors, as we have already pointed out that the plant should be pruned in the spring.
You bought zebra grass because of its attractive color and suddenly you realize that the decorative white or yellow stripes have disappeared? Then you have chosen the wrong location. A sunny location is a prerequisite for lush growth and attractive leaf markings.
Overwintering zebra grass - what should be considered?
In its natural habitat, zebra grass grows at altitudes of almost 2,000 meters. The ornamental grass is generally robust enough to survive the winter in our latitudes unscathed. A winter hardiness down to -20 degrees can be assumed. In any case, leave the stalks on the plant over the winter. If there are severe frosts, you can fix the stalks in the upper area, then a protective "tent roof" is created.
Potted plants are less hardy than zebra grass grown outdoors. Potted plants need winter protection so that frost and cold do not attack the roots. Therefore, place the bucket in a sheltered and preferably covered place, for example on a house wall.Tie the stalks together and also wrap the bucket with garden fleece:
Tip: Place the plant pot on a base made of wood or styrofoam, so the pot is less vulnerable to frost.