Overview
Anemanthele lessoniana is a bushy grass like in the genus Anemanthele, part of the Poaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 1-1.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Anemanthele lessoniana grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, prairie planting, low maintenance, banks and slopes, cut flowers and flower borders and beds. It is native to New Zealand.
About
Anemanthele is a genus of plants in the grass family native to New Zealand. The only known species is Anemanthele lessoniana, often called gossamer grass or New Zealand wind grass or pheasant's tail grass. This is a naturally rare grass in the wild but it is widely cultivated for use as an attractive ornamental garden plant. It is marginal in zone 8, going dormant and deciduous in cold winters, but usually evergreen to semi-evergreen. It grows to around 0.5-1 metres tall and 1-1.5 metres wide, carrying semi evergreen foliage. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and west-facing, east-facing and south-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Anemanthele
About the genus
Anemanthele is a genus of plants in the grass family native to New Zealand.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Anemanthele
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Anemanthele lessoniana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Prairie planting, Low Maintenance, Banks and slopes, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- New Zealand
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Anemanthele lessoniana
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun to partial shade; plant in well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; drought tolerant once established
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Seed in containers in a cold frame in spring, Division from mid-spring to early summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Anemanthele lessoniana?
Prefers full sun to partial shade; plant in well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Anemanthele lessoniana?
Anemanthele lessoniana prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Anemanthele lessoniana need?
Anemanthele lessoniana is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Anemanthele lessoniana?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
How big does Anemanthele lessoniana grow?
Anemanthele lessoniana reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 1-1.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Anemanthele lessoniana hardy in the UK?
Anemanthele lessoniana has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Anemanthele lessoniana?
Seed in containers in a cold frame in spring, Division from mid-spring to early summer.