Zebra grass is a fantastic choice if you’re looking to create a natural privacy screen. While it’s a garden favorite, this hardy ornamental grass also thrives in pots on balconies and patios. However, if you’re growing it in a container, there are a few specific tips you’ll want to keep in mind to keep it happy.
Zebra Grass: Your Natural Balcony Privacy Screen
Thanks to its upright growth habit and the fact that it can reach heights of up to 6 feet, zebra grass is a top-tier pick for privacy. You can totally use this to your advantage on a balcony! When planted in the right containers, it creates a lush, dense wall that blocks out the neighbors and turns your outdoor space into a cozy private retreat.
Choosing the Right Pot
The secret to success with balcony zebra grass is all about the container. Like most ornamental grasses, zebra grass develops long, densely branched roots. To save yourself from the headache of constant repotting, it’s best to start with a generously sized pot right from the get-go.
Standard balcony flower boxes usually won’t cut it here. If you want your grass to grow tall enough to act as a screen, you’ll need a large, deep planter. Just make sure those heavy pots are properly secured so there’s no risk of them tipping over the railing!
Care Tips for Balcony Success
Zebra grass is happiest in a spot that gets partial shade to light sun. Try to find a nook that offers a bit of protection from heavy rain and strong winds, which can sometimes cause those beautiful blades to snap or flop over.
When it comes to water, keep the soil consistently moist—you never want it to dry out completely. On those scorching summer days, you might even need to water it a couple of times a day. Just be careful not to let it sit in standing water, as “soggy feet” can lead to root rot.
A quick, light trim every now and then will help keep its growth in check and ensure your plant stays looking neat and tidy.
Winter Care on the Balcony
Zebra grass is quite hardy and can handle temperatures down to -4°F. Generally, it’s fine to leave it outside all winter. However, because pots have much less soil to insulate the roots compared to the ground, container plants are a bit more vulnerable to the freeze. To keep your zebra grass safe during the cold months, try these simple steps:
- Wrap the pot in bubble wrap, winter fleece, or burlap.
- Tie the upper foliage together with some twine to protect the crown.
