Poa labillardieri

(Common Tussock Grass)

This ornamental native grass is a favourite with garden designers because of its hardiness as well as its attractiveness.

It forms large tussocks that are nearly a metre in width and height, so its substantial size needs to be considered when using it in the garden. Many a gardener has been captivated because the grass looks quite dainty in a small pot, only to be surprised at how vigorous and large it grows!

The two smallish plants in the top photograph are displaying their best winter and spring lush green growth (photograph courtesy of Plants of Melbourne’s Outer East by Helen Moss). The clumps turn a pale straw colour in summer, which also looks quite dramatic. Clumps can be chopped back quite vigorously to encourage new growth.

The close up of the seed head is courtesy of D. Greig (Australian National Botanic Garden, www.anbg.gov.au )

In the wild, it’s a very widespread plant that can be found in a variety of habitats, although not in extremely dry areas and NT and WA. It does best in higher nutrient soils in more coastal regions with adequate rainfall.

In the garden, cultivation is very easy. Growing readily from seed, but also widely available from nurseries in tubes and pots, this plants tolerates frost and cold to about –7C, and even extended wet and dry conditions in a variety of soil types. It thrives in full sun or part shade, even growing well under eucalypts. It also does well in pots (but keep in mind its size).

Unfortunately, this grass has become an agricultural weed in Australian tableland pastures, so it is wise to avoid planting it in this region.

Sources:
Australian National Botanic Garden, Canberra (www.anbg.gov.au)
Plants of Melbourne’s Outer East by Helen Moss
Flora of Melbourne, Australian Plants Society Maroondah Inc, published by Hyland House

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