Anemanthele lessoniana

pheasant's tail grass

(1 customer review)

New Zealand Wind Grass is an semi-evergreen fast growing grass that thrives in either full sunlight of partial shade.

Anemanthele lessoniana has arching olive green foliage which turns copper-red or orange-gold in colour through summer and autumn and remain this colour all winter, giving them year round interest.

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Origin: New Zealand
Genus: Anemanthele
Species / Cultivar: lessoniana
Common Name: pheasant's tail grass
Synonym: Oryzopsis lessoniana, Stipa arundinacea

Plant Biography

Native to New Zealand, in cultivation it is grown mostly for its attractive form and colours. In the summer it produces open, airy flowers with purple and golden seeds called awns.

Because of it’s fast growing nature it’s a perfect choice to quickly add texture and punctuate a mixed border, and even works well in containers. Aesthetically its very useful for creating prairie styling planting schemes.

Anemanthele lessoniana
Soil: Moist but Well Drained
Soil that allows water to drain at a moderate rate, without the water pooling.
Growth Rate: Medium
Expect to see moderate growth during growing season.
Water Requirement: Medium
Once it is established, this plant is likely to only require watering during drier periods.
Maintenance: Low
Minimal skill or input needed beyond the basics, a very independent plant.
Situation: Full Sun to Part Shade
Enjoys direct sun most of the day, but tolerant of fewer sunlit hours or light dappling.
Eventual Height: 0.75m
The plant's ultimate height in typical growing conditions.
Eventual Spread: 0.5m
The plant's ultimate spread in typical growing conditions.
Hardiness: Fully Hardy
Will survive unprotected outdoors in most areas of the UK, even in the harshest winters.
Habit: Semi Evergreen
May only remain evergreen in milder winters, or only loose leaves for a short period.

Expert Tip

The foliage of New Zealand Wind Grass, as per the name, is very reactive to wind in which the leaves attractively shiver.
Care & Size Guidance

Care & Size Guidance

Anemanthele lessoniana is both easy to care for and fast growing, taking only 2-3 years to reach its full size. It tolerates both sheltered and exposed areas.

When planting several plants, space them about 50 centimetres apart.

In spring run your hands through the plant to remove winter damaged and dead foliage.
(Images from gardens designed by Sara Jane Rothwell, Chris Moss and landscaped by Belderbos Landscapes)

1 customer review for Anemanthele lessoniana

Plants just arrived, carefully wrapped and lovely looking healthy specimens. Good care instructions. I would definitely recommend

Helen Pakeman (verified owner) –

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