A coastal Australian native tussock grass forming dense clumps of wiry green-grey foliage with feathery flowering plumes. Salt- and wind-tolerant, it suits exposed seaside and erosion-prone sites.
At a glance
- Plant type: Ornamental grass
- Mature size: 1 m H × 60 cm W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Coast Spear Grass
Austrostipa stipoides is a moderate-growing ornamental grass in the Poaceae family, native to Australia. It reaches around 1 m tall and 60 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage. Cream green flowers appear in spring and summer.
Where to grow Coast Spear Grass
Coast Spear Grass suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds and is a genuinely water-wise choice.
Soil & planting
Coast Spear Grass does best in sandy and free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Coast Spear Grass handles dry conditions well once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
Pruning & care
Prune Coast Spear Grass after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Its ongoing care level is low maintenance.
Using Coast Spear Grass in the garden
Coast Spear Grass earns its place for holding soil on banks and slopes and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same very drought tolerant and warm-temperate climate as Coast Spear Grass. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Coast Spear Grass
Plant Sale lists Coast Spear Grass as potted plants. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
