Grasses
Grasses grow where the wind blows, adding graceful heights, fine textures, movement and colour throughout all four seasons.
They are a versatile no-fuss way to create a stunning native landscape, thriving in a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions. There is a native grass or tussock to suit every situation. Whether you are looking for large or small, green or bronze, wet or dry tolerant, they grow everywhere. Plant out banks, borders, and driveways, with the simplicity of mass planting one or two varieties.
These include popular choices like Carex, Chionochloa, Anthropodium, Festuca, Juncus, Ficinia Nodosa, Poa Cita, Anemanthie Lessoniana and Phormum.
How to plant
Before planting ensure your sunshine and moisture levels are met for your variety.
Prepare a large planting hole.
Remove the plant from its pot and gently loosen the root ball with your hands to encourage good root growth.
Place the top of the root ball even with the level of the surrounding soil.
Fill with compost and organic matter to the top of the root ball.
Press soil down firmly with your hand.
Thoroughly water and apply a light mulch layer on top of the soil (3-5cm) to conserve water and reduce weeds.
Always plant grasses at the same depth they were planted in their container. Must have good drainage. Simply water based on the weather conditions. Generally they require little water and will perform best in full sun to part shade.
Top care tips
Rejuvenate shabby evergreen grasses by cutting them back a few centimetres above ground level.
Occasionally drag a rake through the grass to remove old leaves.
New plants can be produced by dividing old clumps or collecting and sowing seeds.
Cut back ornamental grasses in spring before new growth shows. Divide large clumps every 3 years.
Healthy ornamental grasses are relatively trouble-free, but the plants are occasionally bothered by various diseases or pests like aphids and mites. Spraying water with a high powered hose can help.
Types of Grasses
Tall Grasses:
Anemanthele Lessiana – 1.5m high
Toi Toi – 2-2.5m high
Medium grasses:
Carex Testacea - Native Sedge – clumping form – 45-60cm tall
Lomandra Lime Tuff – 50cm tall
Libertia (NZ iris) - 30-60cm tall
Imperata Cylindica - Japanese Blood grass (winter dormant) clumping - 30-45cm
Small Grasses:
Ophiopogon Japonicus - Black Dragon, Silver Mist, Kyoto Dwarf - clumping form - 7-14cm high
Shady Wet Areas - Hakonechloa Macro - 30-60cm high
Juncus Pallidus - 1m high (clumping rush)
Dry Areas - Chionochloa Flavicans - 1m high