Pest identification
What's eating my autumn red grass?
Aphids
Signs: Small soft insects on new shoot tips; sticky honeydew encourages sooty mould.
Control: Dislodge with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil for persistent colonies.
Slugs & snails
Signs: Ragged leaf edges at ground level, especially in cool damp spring weather.
Control: Iron phosphate bait; hand-pick at night; remove organic debris from the crown.
Miscanthus blight
Signs: Brown foliar lesions reducing photosynthesis during prolonged wet periods.
Control: Remove diseased blades; ensure good spacing and air circulation.
Keep autumn red grass pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
autumn red grass pests — FAQ
What is eating my autumn red grass?
Autumn red grass (Miscanthus oligostachyus 'Purpurascens') is a compact, tough ornamental with good pest resistance. Aphids may colonise fresh spring growth, and slugs can damage young shoots. Miscanthus blight occasionally marks foliage during wet summers. Deer may browse new growth but established clumps recover quickly.
How do I get rid of aphids on autumn red grass?
Small soft insects on new shoot tips; sticky honeydew encourages sooty mould. Dislodge with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil for persistent colonies.
How do I get rid of slugs & snails on autumn red grass?
Ragged leaf edges at ground level, especially in cool damp spring weather. Iron phosphate bait; hand-pick at night; remove organic debris from the crown.
How do I get rid of miscanthus blight on autumn red grass?
Brown foliar lesions reducing photosynthesis during prolonged wet periods. Remove diseased blades; ensure good spacing and air circulation.