Pink Zebra Ornamental Corn

Try growing something different for late summer and fall colors. Pink Zebra is an ornamental corn with an attitude all its own. Instead of the traditional fall tones of orange and yellow, Pink Zebra looks just like its name suggests: hot pink, white, and green stripes decorate the glossy, broad leaves to create quite the conversation piece in your garden. Zea mays ‘Pink Zebra’ is mainly grown as an ornamental plant, although it does produce miniature ears with magenta-pink and purple tassels and dark purple or black kernels. The ears can be dried for seasonal decorations when plants die back in the fall. 

Use Pink Zebra to fill in empty garden spots late in the summer or to hide declining summer blooming perennials. The colorful foliage makes an ideal thriller even before the tiny ears of corn develop. Pink Zebra is very easy to grow, requiring only regular watering and light fertilizing every 2-3 weeks.  

Pink Zebra Ornamental Corn Care

Ornamental corn is grown in the same conditions as traditional corn varieties. This plant needs full sun (at least 6 hours a day) and well-draining soil that is moderately rich and able to retain moisture. Regular watering is required to promote the showy ears and tassels. Do not allow more than the top 1-2 inches of potting mix or garden soil to dry out. Mulching with a finely shredded organic material or compost will help the soil stay moist longer. No pinching or pruning is necessary to encourage branching of the stems. 

Pink Zebra sets seeds at the end of one growing period. The plants will decline in health if grown indoors over the winter and are not suitable as houseplants. The ears of corn can be harvested and dried for arrangements through the winter, while the stalks can be composted with the rest of your garden plant waste. 

Pink Zebra Ornamental Corn Spacing

Although Pink Zebra is tall, growing up to 5 feet in a season, the footprint of this plant is a narrow 12-18 inches. Space multiple plants 12-16 inches apart, center to center, to allow plenty of air circulation and room for any side shoots to develop. Containers will need to be deep or bottom heavy to counterbalance the tall top growth without toppling over. A pot with a 5-7 gallon capacity is recommended.

Pink Zebra Ornamental Corn Information