What's eating my silberfeder silver feather grass?

Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberfeder' is a large-clump ornamental grass that is rarely troubled by pests. Miscanthus mealybug is the most serious threat, hiding inside sheaths and stunting growth. Aphids can colonize new spring shoots, and rust occasionally appears during wet seasons.

Dwarfed and distorted shoots, red discoloration of sheaths, deformed silvery plumes; colonies are concealed deep inside leaf sheaths and hard to spot early Remove and burn infested canes; systemic insecticide applied in early spring is most effective; replace heavily colonized clumps and do not compost debris

Sap-sucking clusters on new growth in spring; honeydew residue and minor leaf distortion; rarely a serious problem on large established plants Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; knock off with water; beneficial insects such as ladybugs provide natural control

Orange or rust-brown pustules on leaf surfaces; reduces the ornamental quality of the silver plumes in humid conditions Improve air circulation; water at the base; remove affected foliage; apply a suitable fungicide if the outbreak is severe