Silver Tussock
Poa cita, commonly known as Silver Tussock, is a clump forming NZ native grass with fine, green foliage that wafts gracefully in the breeze. It typically grows to 60 cm tall and 50 cm wide, preferring a full sun or partial shade position on a well-drained site. Poa cita is also often included in borders, rock gardens, mass planted on a bank, or planted to help minimise erosion. Landscape designers in NZ often use Silver Tussock in alpine themed gardens or in modern gardens for their rounded, architectural form.
Suited to regions: | All regions |
Plant type: | Grasses |
Height: | 60 cm |
Spread: | 50 cm |
Flowering time: | Summer |
Tolerances: | Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind |
Garden uses: | Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas |
Garden styles: | Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native |
Easy to grow? | Yes |
Maintenance requirements | Low |
Growth rate | Medium |
Also known as | Silver Tussock |
The optimum Poa cita spacing for the plants to merge and become an effective ground cover is 45-50 cm apart. However, if you want them to grow as unique balls, they will need to be spaced at least 80 cm apart. The spacing for having them merging to a limited degree is 60 cm apart.
Poa cita is a popular choice in landscaping projects across NZ. This grass is commonly mass planted either as a ground cover or on a bank, included in borders or mixed plantings, or planted around outdoor living areas such as pools and barbecue areas. This hardy ornamental grass is also perfect for gardens around commercial buildings that are often somewhat neglected. Poa cita is favoured by landscape designers around the world. It is the gorgeous foliage and versatility of this plant that makes it a popular choice in landscaping.
Poa cita typically grows to a height of around 60 cm and 50 cm wide. The size will depend on the growing conditions. For example, on exposed sites it will grow slightly shorter but in shaded positions it will grow slightly taller. It is a fast-growing plant that can reach its mature size in 2-3 years. If grows fastest when positioned in full sun on a well-drained site with good levels of soil fertility.
The Plant Company has the best Poa cita for sale in NZ. Our production nursery specialises in growing amazing plants and our logistics team pack them carefully for our customers. The pricing is competitive and the quality is exceptional. The seed is eco-sourced and then grown into amazing plants ready for their new homes. We all love producing this beautiful, ornamental grass and hearing our customers thank us for providing them with healthy and vibrant plants. Let us look after your grass needs and impress you with both our products and service!
The Poa cita grass performs when planted in full sun or part shade on a well-drained site. This is a hardy plant that tolerates frost, drought, cold climates, wind, and coastal climates. Above all else, make sure it is grown on well-drained soil that does not become water-logged. Similarly, if you intend to grow it in a pot, make sure that only potting media is used and never use garden soil.
The most important part of Poa cita care is to make sure they have a well-drained soil that does not become waterlogged at any time. This, along with over-watering, are the main causes of plants to fail to perform or die. The next elements are to feed the plants in spring with a general fertiliser and keep an eye on watering so they do not dry out. Even though they are drought tolerant once established, they still benefit from being watered. Finally, remove any unsightly leaves as required. Disease issues really only become prevalent with wet conditions or with prolonged high humidity and a copper fungicide will take care of most issues. Mealy bugs are the only pest that can cause concern and an insecticide can be used if levels become too great.
Poa cita can be cut right back to about 5-10 cm above ground level in summer. At this time the plants will send up new leaves such that the plant appears new again. Avoid doing this activity in winter as the plants may not reshoot or will do this sporadically. The Plant Company recommends plants are pruned back harder than softly (i.e., longer leaves) as cut stems do die off and you could be left with a plant that has a mix of fresh and dead leaves.
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