Chionochloa rubra

Red Tussock Grass

Evergreen Grass / Grass-Like

Outstanding Qualities
A New Zealand native, red tussock grass is a leafy evergreen grass-like perennial which brings a graceful spreading form of thin, coppery leaves to the landscape. It forms soft, open graceful mounds that move in the slightest breeze. It is mostly admired for the color of the leaves, which range from a metallic golden tan to a dramatic coppery red. In winter the leaves tend to be beige at their tips, with coppery tones at their bases.

Culture Notes
This clumping New Zealand sedge grows best in part to full sun in well-drained or sandy soils. Red tussock grass is a very easy perennial to grow needing only occasional watering during dry weather. Although evergreen, occasional trimming of the entire clump can be done to rejuvenate plants.

Courtesy Great Plant Picks

Growing Conditions

Zone: 7, 8, 9, 10

Exposure: Full Sun, Afternoon Sun, Reflected Heat

Water Needs: Drought-tolerant, Low

Description

Size: 30 - 48 tall x 30 - 48 wide
Shape / Form: Arching, Clumping
Foliage Texture: Fine
Foliage Quality: Fine

Features: Drought-tolerant / Water wise, Attractive Foliage, Low Maintenance, Winter Interest






Uses and Applications

Landscape Uses: Container, Hell Strip, Mixed Border
Special Situations: Low Water / No Water

More Design Considerations

Season of Interest: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, Year-round Interest, Three Seasons of Interest
Plant Behavior: Clumping
Collections: Great Plant Pick

Care and Maintenance

Maintenance Level: low

Plant Combos