This perennial grass forms rounded tufted clumps with upright to arching long flat-linear pointed leaves. The leaf colour varies from green to golden-yellow to reddish and the reddish fluffy flower head appears above the foliage during late summer.

Hardiness zones 8 to 10

Anemanthele lessonianais naturally found throughout New Zealand growing on the coast and into the adjoining mountains. It also appears in open forests or along forest margins and in scrubland or on bluffs.

It grows in an open to exposed sunny to semi shaded positions in well drained moderately fertile moist to dry soils and is pH adaptable and tolerates frost, wind and drought.

Rainbow Grass is grown for its foliage and colour. It is planted in gardens as a specimen or in groups along borders for foliage and colour contrast. It also has attractive movement in windy positions and is suitable for coastal and mountain regions. It establishes in 2 to 3 years and can be planted in roof gardens or in patio pots. The foliage is used in the floristry industry. ID 2860

Anemanthele(ăn-e-man-thee-le) lessoniana(less-o-nee-ana)

Poaceae(poh_AY-see-ee)
Grass Family