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 an 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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Grass Tree 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 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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Grass Tree with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and warm-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm. 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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.