While the zebra grass inspires with its extraordinarily colored foliage in summer, it also exudes a certain charm in winter when the sun lets the hoarfrost or small ice crystals glitter on the stalks. Since the winters in this country are comparatively mild, there is no need for expensive hibernation. However, you should consider a few factors in order to be able to enjoy the white or yellow stripes next year.
Zebra grass is very hardy
properties
- hardy to -23°C
- Can be cultivated as a container or bed plant
- loses the stripe pattern in winter
- sprouts again in spring
- deciduous, evergreen in warm regions
tips
Since zebra grass sometimes stays green even in winter, it is perfect as a hedge plant.
Protect from wind
Although zebra grass is frost hardy, cold winds can damage the stalks. You don't have to bring the grass indoors, but as a precaution you should tie the stalks together over the winter. For potted plants, a change of location to a sheltered place is recommended.
Only cut back in spring
Only cut your zebra grass back just above the ground in spring. After a short time it will sprout again. The pruning in the fall, however, makes less sense, since
- Zebra grass the stalks have a protective function against cold
- the grass serves as winter quarters for many insects and beetles
- otherwise moisture and frost penetrate into the interior of the plant
- Zebra grass looks particularly beautiful when a thin film of ice crystals forms on the stalks
Measures for overwintering potted plants
- Start of preparation: mid-October before the first frost
- Wrap foil or fleece around the bucket
- place a styrofoam plate (35.50€) under the bucket
- Tie blades of grass together
- put a jute sack (€10.99) over the grass
- place in a wind-protected place (near a house wall)