Poa labillardieri

One of the most widely used ornamental grasses, Poa labillardieri is commonly called Tussock Grass . With fine arching blue green foliage and upright flower heads, it is an excellent choice fro a range of landscaping situations.

Its natural habitat extends from the cooler hills of South East Queensland through NSW, Tasmania, Victoria and parts of South Australia. Most common in Victoria and South Eastern NSW where it grows in open forest areas.

Widely used in large landscaping projects where a low care grass is required, Poa labillardieri is available from wholesale nurseries in Viro tubes and more advanced pots to 200mm. Poa labillardieri is a grass that has a soft attractive look to it with slightly arching foliage.

Excellent for roadside plantings, as well as a foil for feature walls.

Varieties

Two naturally occurring varieties Poa var. labillardieri and Poa var. acris. However with such wide distribution a number of named cultivars are also available including:

• Poa labillardieri 'Eskdale'
• Poa labillardieri 'Suggan Buggan'

Care

• Water regularly when planting out and through the first summer, regarded as drought tolerant once established.
• Mass plantings are best carried out from autumn to spring.
• Mulch around plants to maintain moisture, control weeds and improve appearance. Fertilize with a native plant type fertilizer in spring.

Once established Poa labillardieri can be cut back immediately after flowering to 12cm above the ground. This will encourage good new foliage for the next season. If planted in clumps a good distance apart the plants will give a stronger effect than if crowded.