Nursery grown

Dwarf Zebra Grass

Name: Dwarf Zebra Grass
Brand: Dwarf Zebra Grass

Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Zebra'

Nursery-Grown Dwarf Zebra Grass, Ready to Plant

$26.99 Quart

Size

Quantity1

This size is not in the online store yet. Ask about availability and we will reply with current stock.

Compact growth reaches 3-4 feet; perfect for borders, containers, and smaller landscapes
Coppery-pink plumes mature to silver; foliage glows gold and bronze in autumn
Deer-resistant and drought-tolerant once established; adapts to clay, sandy, or loamy soils

Secure checkoutShips in its nursery containerGrowing guides included

About this plant

Dwarf Zebra Grass is a warm-season ornamental grass prized for its compact size and distinctive striped foliage. It shines as a border accent, specimen focal point, or in large containers. Late summer brings coppery-pink plumes that mature to silvery-tan, and autumn foliage shifts to warm gold and bronze tones, extending seasonal interest through fall. Its parent species, Miscanthus sinensis, self-seeds and is listed as invasive in parts of the eastern and southeastern US, so check your local and state rules before planting.

You'll receive a nursery-grown plant in its growing container, ready to transplant to garden or larger pot. Choose the size that fits your space and budget. Plant in full sun in well-drained soil within the first week if possible. Water thoroughly at planting and keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged for the first season to establish roots.

Dwarf Zebra Grass beds and pots

Striped blades and a 3 to 4 foot mound make this grass easy to place.

Striped accent

Full sun keeps the banding crisp, so pair it with Russian sage.

Bed edge

Space plants 24 to 36 inches apart along a border for a steady line.

Stone garden

Compact size and gold and bronze fall color suit a gravel or rock bed.

Deck planter

A big pot suits it, since the dwarf form stays well under standard zebra grass.

Not ideal for: Shade loosens the growth and fades the banding, so give it six hours of sun.

Good to know: Check state and local rules before planting, since zebra grass seed can spread in the East and Southeast.

Dwarf Zebra Grass at a glance

Botanical name	Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Zebra'
Plant type	ornamental grass (warm-season, clump-forming herbaceous perennial)
USDA zones	4-9
Mature height	3-4 ft in foliage; 4-5 ft including flower plumes
Mature width	2-3 ft
Sun	full sun (6+ hours); tolerates light/part shade but growth becomes looser and banding/flowering is reduced
Water	average, medium moisture; drought tolerant once established, does not like standing water
Bloom time	late summer into fall (roughly August-October, varies by region)
Bloom color	coppery-pink to reddish plumes that mature to silvery-tan/white
Growth rate	moderate — reaches full mature size in about 2-3 growing seasons
Deer resistance	good/high
Best planting time	spring after last frost is best; early fall planting is also workable in milder zones

Container sizes explained

Quart / QT	A 4 inch pot, roughly one quart of soil. A young starter plant, the most economical way to buy several.
#1 / 1 Gallon	A trade one gallon pot (about 6.5 inches). One to two seasons older than a quart, with an established root system.
#3 / 3 Gallon	A trade three gallon pot (about 10 inches). A well-developed shrub or small tree, often 2 to 4 feet tall on arrival.

Questions before you buy

Which size should I choose?

The Quart is best for containers or to fill gaps in established beds. The #1 offers a balance of size and price for most garden settings. The #3 is the largest and will fill space faster, ideal if you want a more mature-looking plant at arrival.

When should I plant after arrival?

Plant within the first week of arrival for best results. If you can't plant immediately, keep the container watered and in a location with good light. Spring is the ideal window for planting in most zones; avoid planting in late fall in colder zones.

How tall and wide does Dwarf Zebra Grass get?

Foliage reaches 3-4 feet tall with flower plumes extending to 4-5 feet in mature plants. It spreads 2-3 feet wide at maturity. It's a moderate grower, reaching full size in about 2-3 growing seasons.

How much sun does it need?

Dwarf Zebra Grass performs best in full sun, at least 6 hours daily. It tolerates light to part shade but will grow looser and produce fewer flowers and less vibrant striping. Full sun also brings out the best foliage color and plume formation.

What hardiness zones is this grass suitable for?

Dwarf Zebra Grass is hardy in USDA zones 4-9, making it suitable for most of the continental US. Verify your zone at planting time.

What care does it need in the first year?

Keep soil consistently moist, not waterlogged, through the first growing season. Water deeply after planting. It's drought-tolerant once established, but young plants benefit from regular moisture.