What's eating my purpurascens flame grass?

Miscanthus sinensis 'Purpurascens' is largely pest-free but the Miscanthus mealybug can inflict serious damage by colonizing deep inside leaf sheaths, causing stunted growth and red-stained tissue. Aphids are a minor spring nuisance, and rust may appear during prolonged wet spells.

Dwarfed, distorted growth; reddened stem and sheath tissue; abnormal flower heads; mealy white deposits found when sheaths are separated Prune out and destroy affected canes; apply systemic insecticide at bud break in spring; in severe cases remove and replace the entire clump

Clusters on tender new shoots in spring causing mild leaf distortion and honeydew deposits Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; use a strong water jet; natural predators are usually sufficient on established plants

Rust-colored or orange-brown pustules on leaf surfaces; most problematic in humid, rainy seasons Improve plant spacing for airflow; remove infected foliage promptly; treat with a copper-based or systemic fungicide if persistent