Anemanthele lessoniana

RHS Plant Profile
pheasant's tail grass

Other common names

New Zealand wind grass, pheasant grass, bent grass

Synonyms

Oryzopsis lessoniana
Stipa arundinacea

Award of Garden Merit
Grass Like

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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical 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