Chionochloa rubra
red tussock grass
An evergreen grass forming a dense tussock with slender, red-tinted leaves and flowering stems to 1.5m, bearing elegant lax panicles of small, awned spikelets in late summer
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown Green Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown | Brown Green Red | ||
| Autumn | Brown Green Red | |||
| Winter | Brown Green Red |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Chionochloa are compact, tufted evergreen grasses with narrowly linear, often attractively coloured leaves and tall stems bearing lax panicles of small flowering spikelets in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- New Zealand
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in moist but well-drained, light, fertile soil. Will not tolerate excessive winter wet
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Prairie planting
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Cut back old, flowered stems at the bases in early winter
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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