Anemanthele lessoniana 'Sirocco'
pheasant's tail grass 'Sirocco'
A rhizomatous, semi-evergreen perennial grass to 1m tall, with leathery, dark green leaves that become heavily streaked with orange-brown in summer, becoming orange-brown all over in winter. From midsummer to early autumn it bears pendent panicles of purplish green flower spikelets to 30cm long; these can be dried. Best colour is achieved when grown in full sun
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Brown Orange | |||
| Autumn | Green Purple | Brown Orange | ||
| Winter | Brown Orange |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- 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
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Rake through the plant to remove dead leaves in early spring. See ornamental grasses cultivation for further information. May have the potential to become a nuisance due to prolific self-seeding if not managed well
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Prairie planting
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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