What's eating my little kitten dwarf maiden grass?

Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Kitten' is a compact dwarf cultivar that shares the general pest resistance of the species. Miscanthus mealybug is the main threat, hiding in the tight leaf sheaths of this smaller plant. Aphids and rust can occur but are rarely severe.

Stunted, distorted growth especially notable on this smaller cultivar; reddened sheath tissue and deformed plumes; the tight compact habit can make infestation harder to spot Remove and destroy infested stems; apply systemic insecticide in early spring; dense dwarf clumps that are heavily infested should be dug up and replaced

Small sap-sucking insects on new spring growth causing sticky honeydew residue and minor leaf distortion Blast off with water; spray insecticidal soap or neem oil; beneficial predators typically keep populations low

Orange-brown pustules on foliage; reduced vigor and aesthetics in humid conditions Remove affected leaves; water at soil level; apply a suitable fungicide if infection spreads across the clump