With its bold, striped pattern, Zebra Grass is a total showstopper that instantly grabs your attention. If you’re looking to add a little exotic flair to your backyard paradise, you’ve come to the right place! You don’t need to sit there and literally watch the grass grow—once you understand how this plant ticks, you’ll know exactly when it’s going to wake up and start showing off.
When Does Zebra Grass Start Growing?
During the chilly months, this ornamental grass plays it smart by pulling all its energy down into the roots. This is how the plant stays safe through the winter. Above the ground, the dried-out blades don’t do much, but they actually serve a purpose: they act as a natural layer of insulation against the frost. That’s why I always recommend leaving the dry stalks standing until spring.
To get the best growth, your grass needs:
- Plenty of direct sunlight
- Consistent moisture and the right nutrients
Once early spring hits, you can cut the plant back close to the ground. This actually “wakes up” the plant and encourages fresh, vigorous growth. You can usually expect to see new green shoots starting in May, and by June, it should be reaching its full, glorious height. Just keep an eye on the environment—while Zebra Grass isn’t a total diva, it does have a few preferences.
Strategic Pruning and Care for a Strong Start
If you’ve picked out the perfect spot in your garden, there are two main things you can do to help it thrive. First, you want to focus on healthy root development. This means finding the “Goldilocks” zone for watering: Zebra Grass loves moisture, but it hates “wet feet” (standing water). Pro tip: Use water with low lime content. Rainwater or filtered water is the best treat you can give it.
Second, timing is everything when planting. Spring is generally the best time to get your Zebra Grass in the ground. Right after planting, I like to spread some compost around the base. It acts as a natural, slow-release fertilizer that helps those roots get established so the plant can really take off!
