Pheasant’s Tail Grass Sirocco A clump-forming grass with brilliant autumn colour, Anemanthele lessoniana Sirocco is a smallish, vigorous, evergreen grass (semi-evergreen in colder areas) with a dense, slightly arching habit. The narrow leaves emerge olive green, patched with copper-orange as summer progresses, and turn gorgeous shades of red, orange, yellow and bronze in autumn, keeping its colour all through mild winters. From midsummer, airy brownish-crimson spikelets (tiny flowers) form on delicate, branching, arching stems, turning golden-yellow in autumn; the seed-heads are good winter food for birds. Pheasant’s Tail grass Sirocco can also be grown in soil-based compost in a container – terracotta looks especially nice. Drought-tolerant, it will tolerate partial shade, but will not colour nearly so well. Rake out any dead leaves in early spring, and divide if the plant becomes too stocky. Site: Tolerates exposure, including coastal exposureSoil: Any light to medium, well-drained soil; tolerates clay soilsPosition: Best in full sunSeason of interest: Midsummer, autumnHardiness: Hardy to -10ºCHeight: 2’5” (75cm) Spread: 2’5” (75cm)