Poa labillardierei
grass

Common Tussock-grass, Tussock Poa, Blue Tussock Grass

Poa labillardierei

The Story

Plant Bio

Poa labillardierei is a densely tufted perennial grass endemic to south-eastern Australia, where it colonises moist valley floors, drainage lines, and open woodlands. The species forms large, upright to weeping tussocks of narrow, linear foliage topped by open, pyramidal flowering panicles in spring and summer.

The scabrous leaf blades range from dull green to blue-grey, reaching up to 80 centimetres in length. Unlike many dryland grasses, this species thrives in heavy, moisture-retentive clay loams and tolerates periodic waterlogging.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesForms large, architectural blue-green tussocks with delicate, airy flowering panicles that sway in the wind.
Practical UsesExcellent for stabilising soil on slopes, drainage lines, and swales due to its robust, fibrous root system.
Ecological BenefitsProvides essential shelter, nesting material, and habitat cover for native frogs, lizards, small birds, and beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

47 inches

Width

47 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

South-eastern Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic (sharp leaves can cause minor skin abrasions)

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a site in full sun to partial shade with moist, clay-loam or alluvial soil.
  2. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant the tussock at the same depth it was in the pot.
  3. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots and maintain moisture during establishment.
  4. Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the central crown to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Cut the entire clump back hard to 10 to 15 centimetres above the ground strictly in late winter or early spring; pruning too early in autumn exposes the crown to severe frost damage before the spring growth surge.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Prune the foliage back hard every one to three years in late winter to rejuvenate the clump.
  • Plant in heavy, moisture-retentive soils or drainage lines where water naturally collects.
  • Wear thick gardening gloves when handling or pruning to protect hands from the sharp, scabrous leaf margins.

Don't

  • Do not scalp the plant down into the old, bare dead wood where no live crown buds remain.
  • Do not apply heavy doses of standard garden fertilisers, which cause weak, sappy growth.
  • Do not allow the soil to dry out completely during extended hot, dry spells.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Divide
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mass plantingErosion controlRain gardensNative meadow plantingsDrainage lines and swales

Companion Plants

Lomandra longifoliaDianella caeruleaThemeda triandraCarex appressa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Common Tussock-grass, Tussock Poa, Blue Tussock Grass questions

What zones can Common Tussock-grass, Tussock Poa, Blue Tussock Grass grow in?

Common Tussock-grass, Tussock Poa, Blue Tussock Grass is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Common Tussock-grass, Tussock Poa, Blue Tussock Grass bloom?

Common Tussock-grass, Tussock Poa, Blue Tussock Grass 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 Common Tussock-grass, Tussock Poa, Blue Tussock Grass need full sun?

Common Tussock-grass, Tussock Poa, Blue Tussock Grass does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Common Tussock-grass, Tussock Poa, Blue Tussock Grass drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Common Tussock-grass, Tussock Poa, Blue Tussock Grass handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

More Poa to compare

Eskdale Tussock Grass, Blue Tussock Grass, Common Tussock Grass 'Eskdale', Meadow Grass

Eskdale Tussock Grass, Blue Tussock Grass, Common Tussock Grass 'Eskdale', Meadow Grass

Poa labillardieri 'Eskdale'

Zones 8–10· 1 saves

Keep exploring

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