Anemanthele

( an - em - AN - thee - le )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly called Pheasant's Tail Grass, Gossamer Grass, or New Zealand Wind Grass, this genus of semi-evergreen grasses includes species that need full sun to partial shade and moderate to regular water to perform well. There is only one species in the genus Anemanthele, which is in the plant family Poaceae. It grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3-10 or Sunset growing zones 14-24. Native to New Zealand, it is fine-textured and colorful, doing best in cooler temperatures. These grasses grow quickly to form dense 2.5-3 feet tall and wide tufts. Leaves are slender and arching in shades of olive and green, and change colors in summer, fall and winter to shades of orange and copper. In early summer, stems 2.5 feet tall produce feathery, dangling flowers. Anemanthele is striking in the landscape when used as a focal point, or can serve as a large-scale groundcover. It also grows well in large containers. Flowers are great when used in fresh or dried arrangements.

Caring for ANEMANTHELE

Plant Anemanthele, or New Zealand Wind Grass, in a space in the landscape that receives full sun to partial shade. They prefer soil to be well-draining, moderately fertile, and to have a pH of between 5.5 and 7.8 (acidic to slightly alkaline). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these grasses are considered to be relatively drought-tolerant, able to get by on rainwater for much of the year with supplemental waterings during extended periods of drought. Regular waterings, however, will ensure that these grasses will maintain peak health. Water deeply once a week during the active growing season, and withhold water in wintertime. Make sure to avoid overwatering or planting these grasses in a depressed area of the landscape where water accumulates. They do not like having standing water around their root systems, which can quickly lead to root rot.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. The appearance of this grass can be improved by removing any dead growth in early spring. Needs to be cut back to between 6 and 10 inches tall in late winter every couple of years to encourage new foliage to grow and to keep plants growing vigorously. Every few years, especially if these grasses are grown in a cramped border or container, they will need to be divided to ensure ongoing health. For instructions on how to successfully divide Anemanthele plants, see the Propagation section below.

Growing Anemanthele in Containers
Anemanthele is commonly grown in the ground, but can also be grown in containers on patios and walkways. Choose a large container that is at least a 5-gallon size to accommodate the plant's mature root ball. Ensure that the container has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite. Top soil with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new container. At maturity, they are considered drought tolerant, but will need more water than their in-ground counterparts. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top two inches of soil feels dry to the touch. The appearance of these grasses can be improved by removing any dead growth in early springtime. Needs to be cut back to between 6 and 10 inches tall in late winter every couple of years to encourage new foliage to grow and to keep plants growing vigorously. Every few years they will need to be divided to ensure ongoing health. For instructions on how to successfully divide Anemanthele plants, see the Propagation section below.

Harvesting Anemanthele
In addition to being wispy additions to landscapes, these grasses are also cultivated for their cut flowers, which are used in both fresh and dried arrangements. They add airy texture and height, and are typically harvested in mid summer to early fall. Foliage color becomes most vibrant at this time of the year. Use a sharp, clean pair of pruning shears or snips to avoid damaging stems and prevent the spread of disease. Cut at the base of stems, and immediately drop them into a bucket of cool water. Fresh stems have a vase life of about two weeks. To dry stems, bunch them and hang them upside down in a cool, dark, dry area after harvesting. Once completely dried, handle with care to avoid breaking the brittle stems. They can be added to long-lasting dry bouquets, wreaths, or used in other floral crafts.

Propagation

Anemanthele, or New Zealand Wind Grass, is propagated through division or seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the division method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant, especially if you are propagating a hybrid cultivar. To propagate your New Zealand Wind Grass, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Anemanthele by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, and a spray bottle. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
Harvest your seeds. The seed heads on plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded, and are typically held above the foliage on thin stems. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
Get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 2-6 weeks from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Propagating Anemanthele by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil (any kind will do, though it does need to be well-draining), compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in early spring or fall. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the root(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Separate the removed patch of grass into sections using a sharp, clean knife or trowel. Ensure that each division has a healthy root system and a few shoots. Any dried out areas with dead roots can be tossed in the compost.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with well-draining soil and compost and work it in. Water thoroughly, and then plant divisions.
Keep soil consistently moist as the newly-planted divisions establish strong root systems in their new home. Provide regular waterings, especially during dry spells.

Problems and Pests

Anemanthele grasses are low-maintenance, and typically do not suffer from many pest or disease issues in the landscape. However, they can have issues with the following if optimal growing conditions are not met: