skip to main content

Ornamental Grasses

Zebra Grass not Growing (yet?)

18 years ago

Hi all;

I planted Zebra grass the end of last summer and seemed to do well through the end of the season. I cut it back to about 6-8 inches in March. It is now the beginning of June and have not seen any evidence of growth. We have had a relatively cool spring here in Jersey, does this species just get started later in the spring/early summer or might it be shot? Don't want to pull it prematurely.

Thanks

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

peicook
18 years ago
Hi
If it is any consolation there is no sign of mine either which is the exact reason I came to this site tonight. I have about a dozen other grasses and they are all up by now...I will try to be patient. Let's hope we hear from someone else who says they are the last to emerge in the spring!
Helen
blackie57
18 years ago
I'm in Zone 5 and my zebra grass is growing, but no where as vigorous as my other Miscanthus. I would say if its not up in a week or two it doesn't look good....
Related Discussions
Growing Zebra Grass in Containers
Q
Comments (2)
Grasses love the sun, and Miscanthus tolerates containers very well. The container should hold at least 2-3 gallons of soil and when the plants become root bound, it will limit growth, so plan on dividing often. How tall it gets depends on the cultivar you select and the cultural conditions you supply. It's a low maintenance planting. They don't need much in the way of fertilizer and require that you splash some water on them regularly. Over-fertilizing can cause the stems to 'flop' over. Addition of 0-0-3 ProTeKt will help keep that from happening and harden the plant against a short list of cultural adversities, so it's well worth investigating. Use a light colored container if possible. Al
...See More
Zebra grass- Need help!!!
Q
Comments (5)
Yes, I love the tall Zebra grass, too. There are three clumps in the wild/orchard part of the garden that were planted many many years ago from small pieces given to me by a friend. They stand on the edge of the property with a field behind. I know most people cut them way back in the Fall or Spring, but in all these years I've probably done that only twice. They still grow over 6' tall and are beautiful (tho would be even more so if I trimmed and thinned). And, in my experience I have not see any invasiveness, they remain where I planted except for being a bit wider of course. The one problem is when I choose to share pieces of it with others, the mass of roots can be like cement! Even hard to split with a shovel. Consequently, it hasn't been divided much in all this time either.
...See More
zebra grass propagation right technique or not
Q
Comments (1)
While you may get a little germination from the Zebra Grass seed, the odds are very high you will get species Miscanthus sinensis, without any variegation. The only sure way to propagate it is by division. I can't help with your other grass. Perhaps you can post a photo, so we can identify it.
...See More
zebra grass
Q
Comments (2)
Like most grasses they will just sort of sit there until they grow some roots. Water them if they need it until they get established. At this point root growth is the most important priority. You will see increased growth in the second and third year. It would help any new plant to give it a dose of liquid root stimulator.
...See More
gillespiegardens
18 years ago
zebra grass is considered a warm season grass. this means that its active growth period ( and root establishment)takes place from spring thru mid summer. after that we go into fall... the period that all miscanthus grasses go into dormancy... late summer is still considered early fall. so when you transplanted your grass in late summer you limited the time it had to put down well established roots to help it make it thru the winter...there is a 50/50 chance of your grass making it when planted/transplanted that late in the season. also for the first winter you should mulch it with branches or something substantial for added protection. i lost my first zebra grass for the same reason... along with about 7 out of 10 grasses planted in the fall. that REALLY irritated me lol so thats when i researched grasses thoroughly and learned about cool and warm season grasses. i have no trouble now as i know when to plant/divide/transplant the various grasses.

Sue
"The one thing all gardeners share in common is a belief in tomorrow"
peicook
18 years ago
Just to add that my Zebra grass has finally shown sign of life...Phew. I was sure I had lost it.
Helen
rocemi_morales
7 years ago
Hi all,

I think I am in zone 5 but some maps show ohio as zone 6.

But I planted Zebra grass in Late May last year, it grew beautifully over the summer and I trimmed it once it was browned up late winter.

I have something growing where zebra grass is suposed to be, but it does not have the white stripes? I cut those back and now I am scared I cut the zebra grass??? But when I got them last year they were little but had stripes?

So confused

Related Stories

EDIBLE GARDENS Summer Crops: How to Grow Tomatoes

By Marianne Lipanovich

Plant tomato seedlings in spring for one of the best tastes of summer, fresh from your backyard

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Purple Needle Grass, California’s State Grass

By Debbie Ballentine

The long-lived, drought-tolerant Stipa pulchra is as admired for its benefits as for its good looks

ARCHITECTURE 3 Modern Homes That Are Rooted Yet Soar

These heavyweight houses show that solid looks can be deceiving, as they inspire a sense of wide-open wonder

REMODELING GUIDES Your Floors: Zebra, Tiger, and Teak Wood, Oh, My!

Get the Pros and Cons of Exotic Woods: Hickory, Cherry, Rosewood and More

GARDENING GUIDES Shades of Vegetable Gardens: Growing Edibles in Less Sun

By Steve Asbell

See how one gardener produces a veritable feast of vegetables and herbs under a canopy of shade

SUCCULENTS Grow a Garden of Succulents for Easy Beauty

By Annie Thornton

Low-water plants in a wide range of colors, shapes and sizes? Sign us up — and check out our faves here

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Grow a Lush Privacy Screen

By Christine Tusher

No need to wait forever for patio privacy the green way. These 10 ideas will get your screening up and running in no time

FARM YOUR YARD 6 Things to Know Before You Start Growing Your Own Food

By Abundant City

It takes time and practice, but growing edibles in the suburbs or city is possible with smart prep and patience

GARDENING GUIDES Grow Your Own Privacy: How to Screen With Plants and Trees

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

Use living walls to lower your home and garden's exposure while boosting natural beauty in your landscape

EARTH DAY Grow a Beautiful Garden With Ecofriendly Greywater

By Greywater Corps

Reducing home water waste means lower bills and a healthier planet. Here's how to set up a greywater home irrigation system that can help

Sponsored

More Discussions

Pennisetum orientale

2