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, Well–drainedpH
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 South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.