Anemanthele lessoniana (Pheasant Grass)

Anemanthele lessoniana (Pheasant Grass)

A beautifully airy ornamental grass that glows with warm copper and amber tones through the seasons.

Pheasant Grass forms loose fountains of slender leaves that shift in colour from olive green to rich bronze, copper and orange as the year progresses. In summer, delicate oat-like flower panicles appear, dancing above the foliage and catching the light beautifully. The constant movement makes this grass especially appealing, while the fine flowers and sheltering foliage offer habitat for beneficial insects.

This semi-evergreen grass thrives in well-drained soil and sunny or lightly shaded positions, forming a relaxed, naturalistic clump around 60–90cm tall. It is particularly useful in coastal gardens where wind and dry conditions can challenge many plants. The warm foliage tones work wonderfully in prairie-style planting, gravel gardens and informal borders.

Specifications

• Height: 60–90cm

• Spread: 50–70cm

• Position: Full sun to light shade

• Soil: Well-drained soil, tolerates poorer soils

• Flowering period: Summer

• Hardiness: Hardy perennial, semi-evergreen in mild areas

• Habit: Graceful, arching clump

Note for Isle of Wight planting
Excellent for island gardens, especially coastal sites. It copes well with wind, salt air and dry soils, often developing its richest copper tones in sunny Isle of Wight conditions.

Ideal Companion Plants from The Green Standard Range

• Salvia ‘Royal Velours’ , rich purple flowers that contrast beautifully with the warm bronze foliage

• Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’ , soft lavender-blue flowers that weave naturally through the grass

• Origanum ‘Dingle Fairy’ , edible oregano with pink hop-like flowers that echo the airy grass seed heads

• Eryngium planum , striking steel-blue thistle flowers that suit dry, sunny planting

🌟 The Green Standard Tip
Rather than cutting this grass back hard, simply comb out old foliage by hand in spring to keep the clump fresh and natural looking.