Gardeners absolutely love Zebra Grass, and it’s not just for those iconic horizontal stripes on the blades. The blooms on this ornamental grass are a total showstopper too! If you’re looking to level up your landscape design, here’s everything you need to know about when this grass flowers and what makes its blooms so special.
Shape and Characteristics of the Bloom
When Zebra Grass starts to flower, it produces small, fan-shaped panicles at the tips of the stalks. They look a bit like tiny paintbrushes, fans, or even delicate feathers. One of the best parts is watching them sway in the breeze. On a warm summer day, the tall, patterned blades move so gracefully in the wind—it’s honestly mesmerizing. If you plant Zebra Grass in your backyard, you’re in for a real visual treat.
Quick Facts About Zebra Grass Blooms:
- Shape: Fan-like panicles
- Color: Reddish-brown
- Bloom Time: August through early October
- Growth Height (including flowers): Up to seven feet
With its unique fan-shaped flowers and striped foliage, Zebra Grass creates a look that’s hard to beat. You can enjoy these beautiful plumes from late summer all the way into fall. The reason it waits until later in the season to show off is that the plant needs plenty of warmth to trigger the flowering process.
Caring for Your Zebra Grass
Since those blooms crave heat, you’ll want to make sure you pick the perfect spot for your grass. Ensure your ornamental grass gets plenty of sun and isn’t stuck in a drafty, wind-whipped corner. You’ll also want to water it regularly so the roots stay hydrated. Getting these two things right is the secret to encouraging a spectacular bloom.
Don’t forget that cutting back the grass after winter is essential for healthy growth. If you prune it right down to the ground at the start of spring, don’t worry—you aren’t hurting your chances of seeing flowers. In fact, you’re actually encouraging new growth and helping the plant bloom even better. So, don’t be afraid to grab those shears in the spring!
