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 an 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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Coast Spear Grass is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Coast Spear Grass after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it 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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Coast Spear Grass with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and warm-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden. 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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.