Zone: 5GOLD BREEZE ZEBRA GRASS
Miscanthus sinensis 'Gold Breeze' is a striking and compact "porcupine grass" cultivar, widely celebrated for its incredibly heavy and consistent horizontal variegation. It forms a dense, upright-to-arching mound that typically reaches 5 to 6 feet tall, making it a mid-sized alternative to the much larger 'Zebrinus'. Its foliage is the main event. Narrow, bright green blades are densely "banded" with vivid gold horizontal stripes from the base to the tip, giving the plant a shimmering, sun-dappled appearance even on overcast days. In late summer to early autumn, it produces delicate, reddish-bronze flower plumes that mature into soft, silvery-tan tufts.
Caring for 'Gold Breeze' is remarkably simple, as it is a rugged and adaptable perennial that thrives in a variety of "tough" garden conditions. It performs most brilliantly in full sun, which is essential for developing the sharpest contrast in its golden bands; in too much shade, the plant may lose its upright habit and the gold may fade to a lime-green. This grass is highly drought-tolerant once established and can handle a wide range of soil types, including heavy clay, provided it is well-drained. Because it is a deciduous grass, it will turn a warm tan in late autumn. Maintenance is a once-a-year task: in late winter or very early spring, simply cut the entire clump back to about 4-.6 inches from the ground to make way for the fresh, gold-banded shoots.
| PLANT | SIZE | TYPE | GALENA | ADD'L | DIG | SOON |
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To help Miscanthus sinensis types settle in and thrive, we recommend these standard planting practices: Plant in full sun in average, well-draining soil. For best performance and full plume production, ensure they receive ample sunlight; shade may lead to flopping or reduced flowering. They are adaptable to a variety of soil types and become quite drought-tolerant once established. These grasses are vigorous, clump-forming growers, so provide adequate spacing at planting to accommodate their mature size. Cut the foliage back to the ground in late winter or early spring to refresh the plant for the upcoming season.
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