Pest identification
What's eating my pheasant tail grass?
Aphids
Signs: Clusters of soft insects on young shoots; sticky honeydew residue and distorted leaf tips in spring
Control: Knock off with a water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; natural predators such as ladybirds typically control light infestations
Leaf rust (Puccinia spp.)
Signs: Small orange or reddish-brown powdery pustules on leaf blades; heavy infection dulls the foliage colour
Control: Remove and dispose of badly affected leaves; improve air circulation by thinning congested clumps; avoid wetting foliage when watering
Slugs and snails
Signs: Seedlings and young transplants nibbled at the base; established plants are rarely severely damaged
Control: Protect new plantings with iron-phosphate pellets or copper barriers; transplant in spring when growth is vigorous
Keep pheasant tail grass pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Pheasant Tail Grass pests — FAQ
What is eating my pheasant tail grass?
Pheasant Tail Grass (Anemanthele lessoniana) is notably pest-resistant but is not completely immune. Aphids can cluster on new growth in spring, and rust fungi occasionally mark the colourful blades with orange pustules. Slugs may nibble seedlings before they establish. On the whole it is one of the lower-maintenance ornamental grasses for pest management.
How do I get rid of aphids on pheasant tail grass?
Clusters of soft insects on young shoots; sticky honeydew residue and distorted leaf tips in spring Knock off with a water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; natural predators such as ladybirds typically control light infestations
How do I get rid of leaf rust (puccinia spp.) on pheasant tail grass?
Small orange or reddish-brown powdery pustules on leaf blades; heavy infection dulls the foliage colour Remove and dispose of badly affected leaves; improve air circulation by thinning congested clumps; avoid wetting foliage when watering
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on pheasant tail grass?
Seedlings and young transplants nibbled at the base; established plants are rarely severely damaged Protect new plantings with iron-phosphate pellets or copper barriers; transplant in spring when growth is vigorous