What's eating my gracillimus maiden grass?

Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus' is largely trouble-free outdoors. The Miscanthus mealybug can cause stunted, distorted growth by hiding inside leaf sheaths. Aphids and leaf rust are occasional nuisances. Deer and rabbits seldom feed on mature ornamental grasses.

Stunted and distorted new shoots; reddened stem tissue; abnormal entwining of flower plumes; waxy deposits deep inside leaf sheaths Prune out and destroy affected stems at the base; apply a systemic insecticide in early spring before new growth hardens; replace heavily infested clumps

Clusters on emerging shoots producing honeydew and minor leaf distortion; rarely severe on established clumps Knock off with a strong water jet; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators

Orange to brown powdery pustules on leaf surfaces, most common in wet summers or crowded plantings Remove and dispose of rusted foliage; water at the base; apply a copper-based or systemic fungicide if widespread