Troubleshooting
Pheasant Tail Grass problems — and how to fix them
Pheasant Tail Grass (Anemanthele lessoniana) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Rot in wet soil
Heavy, poorly drained or winter-wet ground rots the crown. Plant in sharply drained soil or raised beds and avoid standing moisture.
Prolific self-seeding
It can seed about freely and naturalise aggressively in mild climates. Cut back flowering stems before seed ripens and pull unwanted seedlings to keep it in check.
Weak autumn colour
Too much shade or rich feeding keeps foliage green. Grow in full sun on leaner soil to bring out the orange and bronze tones.
Frost damage in hard winters
Evergreen but only moderately hardy; severe cold browns or kills foliage. Mulch the crown in colder zones and comb out damaged growth in spring.
Prevent pheasant tail grass problems before they start
Most pheasant tail grass issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for pheasant tail grass in general rather than its problems? Read the full pheasant tail grass care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Pheasant Tail Grass problems — FAQ
Why is my pheasant tail grass rot in wet soil?
Heavy, poorly drained or winter-wet ground rots the crown. Plant in sharply drained soil or raised beds and avoid standing moisture.
Why is my pheasant tail grass prolific self-seeding?
It can seed about freely and naturalise aggressively in mild climates. Cut back flowering stems before seed ripens and pull unwanted seedlings to keep it in check.
Why is my pheasant tail grass weak autumn colour?
Too much shade or rich feeding keeps foliage green. Grow in full sun on leaner soil to bring out the orange and bronze tones.
Why is my pheasant tail grass frost damage in hard winters?
Evergreen but only moderately hardy; severe cold browns or kills foliage. Mulch the crown in colder zones and comb out damaged growth in spring.