Zebra Maiden Grass

Zebra grass forms a tall, arching clump of green leaves banded with gold, followed by coppery plumes in late summer and early fall. The flowers fade to silvery seed heads that can remain attractive into winter. ## Foliage and flowers The Royal Horticultural Society describes the cultivar as tufted and deciduous, with pink-flushed flowers and striped foliage. Morton Arboretum gives a mature height of 5–7 feet, reaching 8 feet in flower, and describes its loose, relaxed form. The RHS lists a spread of 0.5–1 meter; the two sources differ on growth habit and size, so allow room for a broad, arching clump. [RHS: Zebra grass](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/99154/miscanthus-sinensis-zebrinus-v/details) · [Morton Arboretum: Zebra grass](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/chinese-silver-grass/) ## Siting Grow in full sun in moist but well-drained soil. Use it as a vertical accent in a border or in a group, leaving space for the foliage and flower stems. Morton Arboretum notes that Chinese silver grass can spread by seed and is invasive in some parts of the United States, so check local guidance before planting. ## Maintenance Leave the foliage and seed heads standing through winter for structure, then cut the old growth back in early spring before new leaves emerge. Protect the crown from excessively wet winter soil.