Red Tussock Grass, Chionochloa rubra NZ, Red Tussock
Chionochloa rubra, commonly known as Red Tussock, is a tussock grass that produces red leaves with a graceful arch. It grows to 1 m tall and wide in full sun on a well-drained site. Chionochloa rubra is often mass planted either as a groundcover or on a bank, included in alpine gardens, used in rock gardens and borders, or used to line an entrance or path.
Suited to regions: | All regions |
Plant type: | Grasses |
Height: | 1.00 m |
Spread: | 1.00 m |
Flowering time: | |
Tolerances: | Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind |
Garden uses: | Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas |
Garden styles: | Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian |
Easy to grow? | Yes |
Maintenance requirements | Low |
Growth rate | Medium |
Also known as | Red Tussock Grass, Chionochloa rubra NZ, Red Tussock |
The optimum plant spacing for the Red Tussock, Chionochloa rubra for the plants to merge and become an effective ground cover is 80 cm apart. However, if you want them to grow as a unique plant, they will need to be spaced at least 1.2-1.5 metres apart. The Chionochloa rubra spacing for having them merging to a limited degree is 90 cm apart.
Chionochloa rubra is a popular choice in landscaping projects across NZ. It 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, NZ native grass is also perfect for gardens around commercial buildings that are often somewhat neglected. Chionochloa rubra is favoured by landscape designers across NZ. It is the colourful foliage, tidy form, and versatility of this plant that makes it a popular choice in landscaping.
The most important part of Chionochloa rubra 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 critical elements are weed control and The Plant Company recommends an organic mulch is spread around the plants after planting. They should be fed in spring with a native plant fertiliser. At this time any dead leaves can be removed. The plants are generally not trimmed aside from removing spent flower heads if desired. They rarely suffer from any pests or diseases but you may want to keep an eye out for mealy bugs. Overall, they are a very easy plant to care for.
The Plant Company has the best Chionochloa rubra 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. Let us look after your Chionochloa rubra needs and impress you with both our products and service!
The best growing conditions for Chionochloa rubra are a full sun or part shade position on a well-drained site. This is a hardy plant that tolerates frost, drought, cold climates, wind, coastal climates, and most soil types, except extreme wet. Above all else, make sure it is grown on well-drained soil that does not become water-logged. Similarly, if you intend growing Chionochloa rubra in a pot, make sure that only potting media is used and never use garden soil. After planting be sure to spread native plant fertiliser across the soil surface. Only use indoor plant fertiliser if you are growing the plant in a pot.
Chionochloa rubra, commonly known as the Red Tussock grass, grows to about 1 metre tall and the same wide and it will reach this inside of three years with optimal growing conditions. If the growing conditions are less favourable, the plants may be somewhat stunted and will take longer to reach their mature size.
Chionochloa rubra, or Red Tussock, offers a range of benefits, both ecologically and aesthetically. The ecological benefits include erosion control, particularly in exposed and windy areas. It provides shelter and nesting sites for native birds and insects which contributes to biodiversity. In alpine environments, it can trap and store snow, helping regulate water flow in catchments. It is useful for for helping to re-establishing native habitats. The aesthetic benefits include amazing visual appeal. Its distinctive red-brown foliage adds striking colour and texture to landscapes. Is also low maintenance and drought tolerant once established. Finally, it can be used in various garden styles, including naturalistic, contemporary, and coastal gardens.
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Thanks for sending well-grown plants and all the advice.
Well packed, strong & heathy plants, and we got them 2 days after we ordered.
great plants
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