An iconic slow-growing Australian grass tree forming a stout dark trunk topped with a fountain of blue-green foliage and a tall flower spear after fire. A sculptural living feature.
At a glance
- Plant type: Ornamental grass
- Mature size: 3 m H × 2 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Grass Tree
Botanically, Xanthorrhoea glauca is a slow-growing ornamental grass in the Asphodelaceae family, native to New South Wales and Queensland. It reaches around 3 m tall and 2 m wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage. Cream green and white flowers appear in spring and summer.
Where to grow Grass Tree
Grass Tree suits warm-temperate, subtropical and cool-temperate 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, is suitable for bushfire-prone (BAL) gardens and is a sought-after collector's plant.
Soil & planting
Grass Tree does best in free-draining, sandy and poor soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Grass Tree 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 Grass Tree after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Grass Tree in the garden
Grass Tree earns its place for a feature or specimen planting and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Combine Grass Tree with plants that share its preference for very drought tolerant and warm-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Grass Tree
Plant Sale lists Grass Tree as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
