Zebra grass is one of the last cultivars of Miscanthus sinensis to bloom in this area, waiting until October to send up 8-foot tall pinkish-red flower spikes that gradually become silver with age. During spring and summer, this ornamental grass is easy to recognize, with its large clumps of bold foliage banded in yellow and green. The foliage reaches 5 feet tall and wide, but the clumps will continue to spread by rhizomes. It grows best in sun or partial shade, and because of its size, it needs to be at the back of the flower border. It is tolerant of many soils but shouldn't be planted in wet spots. In spring, the masses of dead leaves need to be cleaned up or the center will be smothered.