Anemanthele lessoniana
pheasant's tail grass
An elegant clump-forming grass with narrow arching leaves, becoming tinged with red or orange in summer and autumn, and airy arching sprays of red-brown flowers in late summer
Synonyms
Oryzopsis lessonianaStipa arundinacea
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, °Â±ð±ô±ô–d°ù²¹¾±²Ô±ð»åpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Orange Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown Red | Green Orange Red | ||
| Autumn | Green Orange Red | |||
| Winter | Green Orange Red |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or ³§´Ç³Ü³Ù³ó–f²¹³¦¾±²Ô²µ
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Anemanthele are semi-evergreen grasses forming a clump of slender leaves of attractive, arching habit, with large, feathery sprays of tiny reddish-brown flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- New Zealand
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, medium to light well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerant of partial shade and heavier soils and temperatures down to around -10°C (14°F) for short periods. May have the potential to become a nuisance due to prolific self-seeding if not managed well
Propagation
Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in spring. Propagate by division from mid-spring to early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Prairie planting
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
Pruning
Comb out dead and winter damaged leaves in early spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Anemanthele lessoniana
pheasant's tail grass
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