Overwintering guide
How to overwinter pheasant's tail grass
Winter watering
Water rarely, and only in dry spells — winter wet is a bigger risk than winter cold. Make sure containers drain freely.
The mistake that kills pheasant's tail grass in winter
Leaving pheasant's tail grass in a pot standing in a saucer of water. Waterlogged compost freezes solid around the roots and kills plants that would have survived the cold perfectly well.
More pheasant's tail grass care
- Overwintering pheasant tail grass — the species this cultivar belongs to
- Full pheasant's tail grass care guide
- Pheasant's Tail Grass temperature range
- How often to water pheasant's tail grass
- How to prune pheasant's tail grass
- Common pheasant's tail grass problems & fixes
- Best plant identifier apps — tested and ranked
Overwintering pheasant's tail grass — FAQ
Does pheasant's tail grass need to come indoors for winter?
Pheasant's Tail Grass is hardy to roughly USDA zone 8 — winter lows around -12°C. That means it survives outside in mild areas, but wants shelter in a hard winter. Pheasant's Tail Grass can stay outside over winter in most areas, but appreciates some protection in a cold snap. Mulch generously over the root zone, move containers against a sheltered wall (pots freeze far harder than open ground), and have horticultural fleece ready for the worst nights. The roots are what you are protecting — top growth can be sacrificed and regrown.
When should I move pheasant's tail grass for winter?
Mulch and move pots into shelter in late autumn, before the first hard frosts.
How often should I water pheasant's tail grass in winter?
Water rarely, and only in dry spells — winter wet is a bigger risk than winter cold. Make sure containers drain freely.
What kills pheasant's tail grass over winter?
Leaving pheasant's tail grass in a pot standing in a saucer of water. Waterlogged compost freezes solid around the roots and kills plants that would have survived the cold perfectly well.