A handsome large tussock grass with fine blue-green foliage forming soft fountain-like clumps topped by airy summer seed heads. A movement-rich native for mass planting and erosion control.
At a glance
- Plant type: Ornamental grass
- Mature size: 1 m H × 1 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Common Tussock Grass
Poa labillardierei is an fast-growing ornamental grass in the Poaceae family, native to New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. It reaches around 1 m tall and 1 m wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage. Cream green flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Common Tussock Grass
Common Tussock Grass suits cool-temperate, warm-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice.
Soil & planting
Common Tussock Grass does best in clay and loamy soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Common Tussock Grass is happy on low water, 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 Common Tussock Grass after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Common Tussock Grass in the garden
Common Tussock Grass earns its place for holding soil on banks and slopes, a feature or specimen planting and cut flowers for the vase.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Common Tussock Grass with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and cool-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 Common Tussock Grass
Plant Sale lists Common Tussock Grass as tube stock, potted plants and seed. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Common Tussock Grass seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.