Chionochloa conspicua

RHS Plant Profile
plumed tussock grass

Other common names

hunangamoho grass, hunangemoho grass, New Zealand plume grass, New Zealand silvery reed grass, toc-toc

Synonyms

Cortaderia conspicua
Arundo conspicua

Grass Like

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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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