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dwarf miscanthus

Searching for a compact, show-stopping ornamental grass for your New Zealand garden? Dwarf miscanthus is the perfect solution for smaller spaces, modern landscapes, or anywhere you want bold texture without towering height. With its elegant, arching foliage and tidy habit, dwarf miscanthus brings year-round interest to borders, pots, and mixed plantings, delivering the much-loved beauty of larger miscanthus varieties in a manageable size.

Zebra grass (Miscanthus 'Zebrinus') leaves with cream and green stripes.

Miscanthus 'Zebrinus'

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Miscanthus 'Zebrinus' (Zebra Grass) is a striking ornamental grass recognised for its bold horizontal yellow banding across arching green leaves. This dramatic variety adds strong visual interest and movement to New Zealand gardens throughout the growing season.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 1.75 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Riparian
An elegant Miscanthus sinensis grass with cream-coloured flower plumes and lush green foliage.

Miscanthus sinensis

Miscanthus sinensis is an ornamental grass that grows as a clump of narrow, arching, green leaves. The colouring gives a light silver-green effect to the foliage, hence the common name, Japanese Silver Grass. Tall spikes of plum-like flowers are borne in summer, which are cream with a pink tone as they grow to 1.5 m tall and 1 m wide.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Riparian
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Ophiopogon japonicus Silver Mist grass in a garden.
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Ophiopogon japonicus nana (dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.
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Ophiopogon 'Kyoto' (Dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.
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A Metrosideros 'Tahiti' shrub about 70 cm tall and 60 cm wide with red flowers and lush foliage.
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Phormium 'Pepe' (Dwarf Flax)

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Agapanthus 'Agapetite' plant with lush green flowers and elegant white flowers.
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Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' (prostrate Juniper) growing as a tidy ground cover.
Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' (Japanese Dwarf Juniper)

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Ophiopogon planiscapus (Mondo Grass) with lush green foliage growing as a ground cover.
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Phormium 'Green Dwarf' flax plant in a native garden with Oioi plants.
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Miscanthus Morning Light growing as a clump with variegated leaves.
Miscanthus 'Morning Light'

Miscanthus 'Morning Light' (Maiden Grass) is a refined ornamental grass valued for its fine narrow foliage edged with silvery white. This elegant...

OUT OF STOCK
Miscanthus Sinensis Variegatus plant in a garden.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus'

Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus' is a stunning variety of the commonly known Japanese Silver Grass. This variegated Miscanthus is an ornamental grass...

OUT OF STOCK
Miscanthus gracillimus grass plants with impressive cream-coloured flower plumes.
Miscanthus 'Gracillimus'

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OUT OF STOCK
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Stunning Blechnum 'Silver Lady' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Blechnum 'Silver Lady' (Dwarf Tree Fern)

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A Pittosporum 'Midget' plant in a garden.
Pittosporum 'Midget' (Dwarf Pittosporum)

Pittosporum 'Midget' is a dwarf variety that features foliage made up of small, fresh green leaves. The foliage is complemented with small, purple...

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Miscanthus 'Zebrinus'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Callistemon, Calocephalus, and Miscanthus, or related Categories - Flaxes, Grasses, and Mondo Grass.

Search dwarf miscanthus

Why Choose Dwarf Miscanthus?

Dwarf miscanthus combines the best of both worlds: impressive, feathery flower plumes and dramatic foliage, all on a plant that stays under one metre tall. This means you can enjoy the movement and structure of grasses without worrying about shading out neighbouring plants or overwhelming your space. It’s a versatile option, equally at home in formal gardens, cottage plantings, or even contemporary designs.

As with other varieties like Miscanthus 'Morning Light' and Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus', dwarf miscanthus is valued for its resilience. It’s hardy, drought-tolerant once established, and requires very little maintenance—making it a favourite with both new and experienced gardeners.

Outstanding Features & Uses

Featuring fine, upright foliage that gently cascades, dwarf miscanthus lights up the garden from spring through autumn. In late summer, silky flower heads rise above the foliage, fading to soft silver as the weather cools. Unlike some taller grasses, the tidy form and smaller stature of dwarf miscanthus make it perfect for:

You might also consider pairing dwarf miscanthus with other elegant grasses such as Miscanthus 'Zebrinus' for striking contrast, or exploring the timeless appeal of Miscanthus Gracillimus.

Planting and Care Tips

Dwarf miscanthus thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It tolerates wind, coastal conditions, and light frosts, making it a reliable choice across many New Zealand climates. Once planted, simply water during dry spells and cut back old growth in late winter to encourage fresh spring shoots. Because it forms well-behaved clumps, it won’t run rampant or self-seed.

Like other Miscanthus sinensis varieties, dwarf miscanthus is largely pest- and disease-free, so you can plant with peace of mind. For extra vigour, feed with compost in early spring.

Find Your Ideal Grass

Ready to add some movement and easy-care beauty to your landscape? Dwarf miscanthus delivers drama and texture without the bulk. To explore similar options, browse Miscanthus 'Morning Light', Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus', or our popular Miscanthus Gracillimus for more fantastic grasses to suit every garden size and style.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

While Ficus 'Tuffi' and Coprosma acerosa often steal the spotlight, charming plants like Berzelia lanuginosa, Quince 'Smyrna', and Hydrangea 'Geoffrey Chadbund' quietly shine in any garden.
–The Plant Company

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