Great Plant: New Zealand Wind Grass
Gorgeous, green-to-gold feather grass make a big impact for little effort
Add easy color, texture, and movement to your yard by including New Zealand wind grass (Anemanthele lessoniana) in your design. Landscape architect Jeffrey Gordon Smith uses this feathery perennial for many residential design projects in the western United States, and finds that its great looks and low maintenance requirements are constantly the subject of praise. "I would say one grass that we receive the most comments about in our landscapes is Anemanthele lessoniana," he says.
Distinguishing traits. The coloring of Anemanthele lessoniana is a beautiful addition to any landscape year-round, particularly in autumn and winter when its olive green foliage transforms to a stunning sunset of golds and oranges. "Its golden color can either blend in with the golden California hills, or provide that bold pop of orange color against a green or gray plant palette," Smith says.
The graceful and arching silhouette of this grass is similar to many other perennial grasses. The wispy foliage adds an overall lightness to any landscape — particularly beneficial to a space dominated by heavy architecture or other solid or overpowering structures. “We have picked this grass for many of our projects because of its soft natural form," Smith says. "It is a gorgeous grass that plays beautifully in the wind. In many ways it is reminiscent of a native deer grass."
The graceful and arching silhouette of this grass is similar to many other perennial grasses. The wispy foliage adds an overall lightness to any landscape — particularly beneficial to a space dominated by heavy architecture or other solid or overpowering structures. “We have picked this grass for many of our projects because of its soft natural form," Smith says. "It is a gorgeous grass that plays beautifully in the wind. In many ways it is reminiscent of a native deer grass."
How to use it. Versatility is a key characteristic of New Zealand wind grass. Whether used for a street grass, specimen plant, background massing, or even strictly for its textural contrast, this grass lends itself to the architecture any home, regardless of style.
For a modern landscape, rigid and geometric rows of well-manicured specimens create a sense of order, while an overgrown hillside massing instantly brings to mind a more rustic and casual setting.
For a modern landscape, rigid and geometric rows of well-manicured specimens create a sense of order, while an overgrown hillside massing instantly brings to mind a more rustic and casual setting.
Before you plant. Early fall is a good time to plant New Zealand wind grass and other perennials. Keep in mind that the best plant for your landscape is also one that works well with your climate and conditions. Smith notes that in his experience, soil heavy in clay is a death sentence to these plants, so he stresses good drainage above all. If you provide the plant with a little early nurturing, you should enjoy a long and pretty maintenance-free life from your New Zealand wind grass.
More: Ornamental Grasses in the Landscape
More: Ornamental Grasses in the Landscape
Common names: New Zealand wind grass, pheasant's-tail grass
USDA zones: 8-10
Water requirement: Average to low
Sun requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Mature size: 36" x 36"
Tolerances: Deer, drought, pollution, slopes, wind