1 named cultivar
The Story
Plant Bio
Themeda triandra, commonly known as Kangaroo Grass, is a perennial tussock grass native to Australia, Africa, and Asia, forming dense clumps of narrow, linear foliage. The leaves emerge green to grey-green before developing distinctive purple, red, or bronze tones on the margins, eventually maturing to an orange-brown hue during seasonal dormancy.
The species is distinguished by its large, arching flower stems bearing reddish-brown spikelets with prominent spathes and long, dark awns that twist in response to humidity. While the wild form reaches up to 150 centimetres in height, compact cultivars like 'Quokka' offer a more restricted habit suitable for smaller garden borders.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Grass
Height
59 inches
Width
20 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Low
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Australia, Africa, Asia, Pacific
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil, avoiding any areas prone to waterlogging.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the tubestock pot but of equal depth, ensuring the crown of the plant sits level with the surrounding soil surface.
- Backfill the hole with native soil without adding compost or fertiliser, and firm down gently around the base of the plant.
- Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil, then restrict watering to dry periods until the root system is established.
Pro Tip
Avoid applying any fertiliser or high-nutrient soil amendments, as excess nutrients promote weed competition and significantly shorten the lifespan of the tussock.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Prune the foliage hard to ground level once a year in late summer or early spring to clear out accumulated thatch.
- Ensure the soil drains freely to prevent crown rot.
- Source local provenance stock to match the genetic profile of your local climate.
Don't
- Do not apply fertilisers or nutrient-rich soil amendments.
- Do not attempt to transplant mature, wild-grown clumps.
- Do not overwater or plant in permanently boggy soil.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Kangaroo Grass, Red Grass, Rooigras questions
What zones can Kangaroo Grass, Red Grass, Rooigras grow in?
Kangaroo Grass, Red Grass, Rooigras is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
When does Kangaroo Grass, Red Grass, Rooigras bloom?
Kangaroo Grass, Red Grass, Rooigras typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Kangaroo Grass, Red Grass, Rooigras need full sun?
Kangaroo Grass, Red Grass, Rooigras does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Kangaroo Grass, Red Grass, Rooigras drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Kangaroo Grass, Red Grass, Rooigras handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Themeda to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Kangaroo Grass, Red Grass, Rooigras with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.