Clumps of fine foliage with long trailing flower heads, like tresses of shining brown hair. Pendent purplish green spikelets from late summer to late winter. In winter the foliage develops tints of red, orange and yellow. Can look especially beautiful backlit by a low sun. Naturally a more shade tolerant grass, but seemingly very happy in full sun and pretty drought tolerant. Synonymous with Calamagrostis arundinacea and Stipa arundinacea.
Anemanthele lessoniana
Pheasant's tail grass, New Zealand wind grass
Details
| Aspect | Sun or part shade |
| Flower Colour | Green | Purple |
| Flowering Period | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Foliage | Evergreen |
| Goes Well With | Achillea, Crocosmia, Geranium |
| Growth Habit | Clump-forming |
| Hardiness | Fully hardy |
| Height | 80cm |
| Soil | Light, well-drained |
| Spread | 1.2m |
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I have 8 of these. Last year I spend hours cutting out some of the dead stems, too time consuming! Some advice I've received is to cut back fully - if so when? I understand they are not that long lived so maybe replace? (I do have some small self sets). I have a large gravel garden designed by Sue Townsend in Aldeburgh. What would you recommend? By the way, loved your video on Facebook about cutting back. Many thanks. Sue
You do not need to replace these. Comb out dead and winter damaged leaves in early spring. You can propagate by dividing congested clumps in spring to early summer