Awaken a Far Eastern atmosphere in your garden with Asian zebra grass. Although the sweet grass comes from China, thanks to its undemanding nature it can also be kept in Europe in beds or in pots. With conscientious care and the right location conditions, the plant will soon develop its long green stalks with eye-catching white stripes and exude a lot of charm. This article reveals what you need to pay attention to when cultivating.
How do I care for zebra grass properly?
To care for zebra grass you need a sunny location, moist and nutrient-rich soil and sufficient water. It should be cut back in spring and in winter the stalks should be tied together to protect against frost.
General
Location
Zebra grass only develops its typical striped pattern when there is sufficient sunlight. The sweet grass also thrives in shady locations, but you have to do without its great look.
Floor
Plant your zebra grass in soil that is as moist as possible but does not become waterlogged. In addition, the substrate should be very nutrient-rich. A pH value between 4.6 and 7.5 is considered ideal.
Usage
Zebra grass is extremely versatile. For example, it serves
- as a potted plant on the terrace
- in the bed
- as a hedge plant
- as privacy screen
- as bank greening of garden ponds
Care instructions
Cutting
In autumn, the zebra grass sheds its dry leaves. Many people then make the mistake of cutting back the plant at this time. However, the long shoots serve as natural frost protection and should therefore only be shortened in the spring shortly before they sprout. Then cut the grass just above the ground.
Pouring
Zebra grass needs a lot of water. Ideally, you should plant the plant in close proximity to a body of water so that the roots always have access to liquid. Potted plants in particular need to be watered several times a day on hot days so that the substrate is consistently moist. But be sure to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilize
A special fertilizer application can promote growth, but in most cases it is unnecessary as zebra grass is known for its strong growth.
Attention: Without a root barrier (€39.00 on Amazon) it can even happen that your zebra grass spreads unintentionally over a large area. You can counteract this by dividing the root ball every three years.
Wintering
Zebra grass is a robust, hardy plant. Temperatures down to -20°C are not a problem. You should only place potted plants in a protected place. It is also recommended to tie the stalks together as additional frost protection.
