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how tall does miscanthus grass get

If you're considering adding the impressive Miscanthus grass to your New Zealand garden, you may be wondering, "how tall does Miscanthus grass get?" It’s a great question, and one that will influence your landscape design and plant selection. Miscanthus, prized for its ornamental beauty and versatility, comes in a variety of cultivars, each with its own mature height. Understanding how tall Miscanthus grass typically grows helps you plan for privacy screens, focal points, or elegant softening around hardscapes and boundaries.

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. Its upright clumping habit makes it ideal for borders mass planting and feature positions. Easy to grow and low maintenance Miscanthus 'Zebrinus' is perfect for adding texture and contrast to garden landscapes.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.20 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. Miscanthus sinensis is commonly included in mixed plantings, planted around a water feature, used as a backdrop for other plants, or included in borders.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Riparian
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Miscanthus 'Zebrinus'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Apodasmia, Cymbopogon, and Isolepis, or related Categories - Grasses, and Mondo Grass.

Search how tall does miscanthus grass get

Typical Heights of Miscanthus Grass

In general, Miscanthus grass is known for its tall, arching form. Most varieties grow between 1.5 metres and 3 metres high by late summer to early autumn, but exact height depends on the specific cultivar, site conditions, and climate.

What Affects the Height of Miscanthus Grass?

While Miscanthus grass has natural height ranges, environmental factors play a significant role. Generous sunlight, regular watering, and fertile, free-draining soil can help it reach its full potential. In less-than-ideal conditions, growth may be slightly reduced, but even then, Miscanthus remains a striking garden asset.

Regular cutting back in late winter or early spring encourages lush, fresh growth each year, so your Miscanthus stand remains dense and healthy.

Using Tall Miscanthus in Your Garden

Once you know how tall Miscanthus grass gets, you can make the most of its presence. Tall grasses like Miscanthus Gracillimus and Miscanthus sinensis are a superb choice for screening neighbours or windbreaks, while compact forms like Miscanthus 'Morning Light' work beautifully beside pathways or as an accent among perennial borders.

Explore Our Miscanthus Selection

Whether you’re seeking a towering statement or a neat, compact form, our range includes Miscanthus 'Zebrinus', Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus', Miscanthus 'Morning Light', and more. Each brings great movement, texture, and height—perfect for contemporary or cottage-style Kiwi gardens.

Now that you know how tall Miscanthus grass gets, you’re ready to add structure and beauty to your garden with these remarkable ornamental grasses.


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.

Our garden favourites Corokia 'Bronze King' and Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant) get lots of love, but don’t miss out on a few lesser-known delights: Pyrus 'Aristocrat', Carpodetus serratus, and Coprosma 'Mini Mac'.
–The Plant Company

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