Chionochloa conspicua
plumed tussock grass
An evergreen grass forming tussocks of flat green leaves tinged orange, red and brown up to 1.5m long. Arching stems bear creamy-white plumes of flowers in summer that ripen to fluffy brown seeds
Other common names
hunangemoho grassplumed tussock grass
see moreNew Zealand plume grass
New Zealand silvery reed grass
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Synonyms
Cortaderia conspicuaArundo conspicua
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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 | Green Red Orange Brown | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream White | Green Red Orange Brown | ||
| Autumn | Green Red Orange Brown | |||
| Winter | Green Red Orange Brown |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted, Clump forming
- 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, light, fertile soil in full sun or partial shade. Protect from cold winds and 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
- Cottage and informal garden
- Prairie planting
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back old, flowered stems at the bases in early winter
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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