Photo: Jon SullivanCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Gossamer Grass Plant Care
Anemanthele lessoniana (Steud.) Veldkamp
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This ornamental grass is known for its striking bronze and copper-colored leaves, adding a pop of color to any garden. Hailing from New Zealand, Anemanthele lessoniana thrives in sunny, well-drained areas. Plant collectors are drawn to its unique coloration and graceful, flowing foliage, making it a coveted addition to any landscape.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Gossamer Grass?
Water Gossamer Grass every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Gossamer Grass Native To?
What Is the Gossamer Grass?
Gossamer Grass (Anemanthele lessoniana) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Anemanthele genus. Gossamer Grass is native to New Zealand. Gossamer Grass is also known as New Zealand Wind Grass, Pohuehue.
Gossamer Grass displays a clumping ornamental grass growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Gossamer Grass produces small, inconspicuous flowers on airy panicles.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Gossamer Grass?
Anemanthele lessoniana requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Gossamer Grass Need?
Gossamer Grass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Gossamer Grass Prefer?
Anemanthele lessoniana grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Gossamer Grass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Gossamer Grass?
Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Gossamer Grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Gossamer Grass?
Feed Gossamer Grass every 8 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Gossamer Grass?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Gossamer Grass?
Gossamer Grass can be propagated through division, seeds.
Is the Gossamer Grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Gossamer Grass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Gossamer Grass?
Gossamer Grass is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Gossamer Grass Need?
Gossamer Grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Gossamer Grass is native to New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Gossamer Grass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Gossamer Grass is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Anemanthele genus — compare its care with other Anemanthele species on PlantoScan.
Anemanthele is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Gossamer Grass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Anemanthele lessoniana (Steud.) Veldkamp, family Poaceae (first published in Acta Bot. Neerl. 34: 108 (1985)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Gossamer Grass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Jon Sullivan, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a – 10b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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