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Anemanthele lessoniana

5 from 2 customers

Bent Grass, Stipa arundinacea, Pheasant Grass, New Zealand Wind Grass, Gossamer Grass

Anemanthele lessoniana, commonly known as Gossamer Grass, is a NZ native grown for its colourful foliage. Slender blades emerge green then develop orange and bronze highlights which are accentuated during winter. Gossamer grass grows to about 80 cm tall and the same wide. Anemanthele lessoniana is commonly added to mixed plantings, mass planted either as a groundcover or on a bank, included in border plantings, or planted around outdoor living areas.

Anemanthele lessoniana grass with colourful foliage growing in a pot.
The average plant height is 40 cm
$17.81
The average plant height is 30 cm
$19.30
The average plant height is 60 cm
$20.79

Buy more Anemanthele lessoniana plants and save -

Suited to regions:All regions
Plant type:Grasses
Height:80 cm
Spread:80 cm
Flowering time:Summer
Tolerances:Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses:Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles:Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
Easy to grow?Yes
Maintenance requirementsLow
Growth rateFast
Also known asBent Grass, Stipa arundinacea, Pheasant Grass, New Zealand Wind Grass, Gossamer Grass

What is the optimum Anemanthele lessoniana planting distance?

The optimum Anemanthele lessoniana planting distance for the plants to merge and become an effective ground cover is 50 cm apart. However, if you want them to grow as unique balls, they will need to be spaced at least 1 metre apart. The Anemanthele lessoniana plant spacing for having them merging to a limited degree is 75 cm apart.

What are the landscaping uses for Anemanthele lessoniana?

Anemanthele lessoniana is a popular choice in landscaping projects across NZ. It is commonly mass planted either as a ground cover or on a bank, included in borders or mixed plantings, or planted around outdoor living areas such as pools and barbecue areas. This hardy ornamental grass is also perfect for gardens around commercial buildings that are often somewhat neglected. Anemanthele lessoniana is favoured by landscape designers around the world. It is the gorgeous foliage and versatility of this plant that makes it a popular choice in landscaping.

What height and size does Anemanthele lessoniana grow to?

Anemanthele lessoniana typically grows to a height of around 80 cm and the same wide. The size will depend on the growing conditions. For example, on exposed sites it will grow slightly shorter but in shaded positions it will grow slightly taller. It is a fast-growing plant that can reach its mature size in 2-3 years. If grows fastest when positioned in full sun on a well-drained site with good levels of soil fertility.

Anemanthele lessoniana for sale in NZ

The Plant Company has the best Anemanthele lessoniana for sale in NZ. Our production nursery specialises in growing amazing plants and our logistics team pack them carefully for our customers. The pricing is competitive and the quality is exceptional. The seed is eco-sourced and then grown into amazing plants ready for their new homes. We all love producing this beautiful, ornamental grass and hearing our customers thank us for providing them with healthy and vibrant plants. Let us look after your Anemanthele needs and impress you with both our products and service!

How to care for Anemanthele lessoniana

The most important part of Anemanthele lessoniana care is to make sure they have a well-drained soil that does not become waterlogged at any time. This, along with over-watering, are the main causes of plants to fail to perform or die. The next elements are to feed the plants in spring with a general fertiliser and keep an eye on watering so they do not dry out. Even though they are drought tolerant once established, they still benefit from being watered. Finally, remove any unsightly leaves as required. Disease issues really only become prevalent with wet conditions or with prolonged high humidity and a copper fungicide will take care of most issues. Mealy bugs are the only pest that can cause concern and an insecticide can be used if levels become too great.

Is Anemanthele lessoniana An Invasive Grass?

Anemanthele lessoniana is a beautiful ornamental grass native to New Zealand. While it's not considered invasive in NZ, it can become invasive in other parts of the world, particularly in regions with Mediterranean climates like California and the Pacific Northwest. Wind easily carries its seeds, allowing it to spread quickly to new areas and it can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, making it difficult to control its spread.

Why is Anemanthele lessoniana called Pheasant's Tail grass?

Anemanthele lessoniana is called Pheasant's Tail grass because its arching, narrow leaves often turn bronze, orange, and reddish hues, particularly in the cooler months, resembling the colours and patterns seen in the tail feathers of some pheasant species. The way the leaves gracefully arch and flow in the wind can also contribute to this visual similarity, creating a feathery or plume-like effect.

Can Anemanthele lessoniana grow in shade?

Anemanthele lessoniana can grow in partial shade but not in full shade. In full sun Anemanthele lessoniana typically shows its most vibrant colours, developing rich bronze, orange, and reddish tones. It also tends grow more compactly. In partial shade it will still grow well, but the foliage may tend to be more green and less intensely coloured. The plant might also have a slightly more open or less dense appearance as the leaves reach for more light. Partial shade is generally defined as receiving direct sunlight for only 2-3 hours per day or dappled light throughout the day (like under a deciduous tree). Heavy shade is generally not recommended as the plants become "leggy" and untidy as they stretch for light. Its growth and overall performance will be poor, and the foliage will remain mostly green.

Questions and Answers

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Reviews

5 from 2 customers
Glenys Taylor - Auckland

Lovely plants received

Margaret Ross - Hawke's Bay

Beautiful plants and well packaged.

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