Zebra grass originally comes from China. While exotic plants, such as zebra grass, impress with their unusual appearance, the plants are often used to different temperatures and therefore have to be overwintered in special places. Fortunately, the striped plant is an exception and can spend the winter in the bed without any problems. There are a few things you should know about the frost hardiness of zebra grass.
Is zebra grass hardy and how do you overwinter it correctly?
Zebra grass is hardy and can withstand temperatures down to -20°C. It can easily overwinter in the bed because the stalks protect the plant from the cold. In the pot, zebra grass needs a place protected from the wind, regular watering and possibly a jute bag for additional protection.
Up to what temperature is zebra grass hardy?
Zebra grass can withstand temperatures down to -20°C. Ground frost cannot harm the plant. On the contrary, it even exudes a very special charm when small ice crystals lie on the stalks and glitter in the winter sun. However, if there is too little light, the grass loses its typical stripes. In the following spring, when the sun shines more intensely again, new shoots with the beautiful pattern form.
Keep frost protection
Many gardeners make the mistake of cutting back their zebra grass in the fall because the plant then sheds its leaves. However, this makes the grass more susceptible to cold and frost. The reason: the stalks serve as a protective cover that wraps around the heart of the plant and prevents the cold from penetrating. Therefore, only cut back your zebra grass in spring, shortly before it sprouts.
Zebra grass in a bucket
Zebra grass that is kept in a pot is slightly more sensitive to cold. Remember that the plant needs sufficient water. The soil in the pot tends to freeze quickly at low temperatures. In this case the plant dies. However, since the zebra grass in the pot is mobile, it is no problem to overwinter it in a suitable place:
- transport your zebra grass in a pot to a place protected from the wind
- don't stop watering even in winter
- If necessary, protect the grass additionally with a jute bag
- tie the individual stalks together
- a roof is optimal
- wrap a layer of insulation around the bucket
