Overview
Anemanthele lessoniana 'Sirocco' is a tufted 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 'Sirocco' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include architectural, city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, prairie planting, flower borders and beds and garden edging. It is native to New Zealand.
About
Anemanthele lessoniana 'Sirocco' (pheasant's tail grass 'Sirocco') is a semi-evergreen, tufted grass cultivar from the New Zealand native genus Anemanthele, belonging to the Poaceae family. It grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 metre with a spread of 1 to 1.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This low-maintenance grass thrives in full sun or partial shade, preferring sheltered locations with moist but well-drained soil of various types and pH levels. It provides year-round interest through spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
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
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Anemanthele lessoniana 'Sirocco' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Prairie planting, Flower borders and beds, Garden edging
- Native to
- New Zealand
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Anemanthele lessoniana 'Sirocco'
- Cultivation
- Prefers sheltered locations with moist but well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; low-maintenance; grows well in full sun to partial shade.
- 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 'Sirocco'?
Prefers sheltered locations with moist but well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; low-maintenance; grows well in full sun to partial shade.
Where is the best place to plant Anemanthele lessoniana 'Sirocco'?
Anemanthele lessoniana 'Sirocco' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Anemanthele lessoniana 'Sirocco' need?
Anemanthele lessoniana 'Sirocco' 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.
How do I prune Anemanthele lessoniana 'Sirocco'?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
How big does Anemanthele lessoniana 'Sirocco' grow?
Anemanthele lessoniana 'Sirocco' 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 'Sirocco' hardy in the UK?
Anemanthele lessoniana 'Sirocco' 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 'Sirocco'?
Seed in containers in a cold frame in spring, Division from mid-spring to early summer.