An iconic native grassland species with blue-green tufts that turn russet-bronze in summer and nodding rusty seed heads. Drought-hardy, it suits meadows and low-water plantings.
At a glance
- Plant type: Ornamental grass
- Mature size: 80 cm H × 50 cm W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Kangaroo Grass
Themeda triandra is an moderate-growing ornamental grass in the Poaceae family, native to New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory. It reaches around 80 cm tall and 50 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen and rich in autumn colour foliage. Red flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Kangaroo Grass
Kangaroo Grass suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate, subtropical and arid and semi-arid climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and is usually left alone by rabbits.
Soil & planting
Kangaroo Grass does best in free-draining, sandy, clay and poor soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Kangaroo 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 Kangaroo Grass after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Kangaroo Grass in the garden
Kangaroo 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 Kangaroo 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 Kangaroo Grass
Plant Sale lists Kangaroo Grass as tube stock and seed. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Kangaroo Grass seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.