1 named cultivar

‘Eskdale’Common Tussock Grass

grass

Common Tussock-grass

Poa labillardierei

The Story

Plant Bio

Poa labillardierei, commonly known as common tussock-grass, is a dense, coarsely tufted perennial grass native to southern and eastern Australia. It forms large, upright mounds of slender, tightly rolled foliage that arches gracefully under its own weight.

The fine-textured leaves display a distinct blue-green or grayish-blue tint before aging to a warm golden-straw color in late summer. In spring and summer, delicate, open flower panicles rise well above the foliage, creating a misty, translucent screen.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides excellent architectural structure with arching, blue-green foliage and delicate, misty flower panicles.

Highly effective for stabilizing soil on slopes and banks due to its fibrous, binding root system.

Offers dense cover and shelter for small ground-dwelling wildlife and beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

47"

Width

39"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Unknown

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-draining loam or clay soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant so the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, resilient root system.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base to retain soil moisture, keeping it clear of the crown.

Pro Tip

Avoid shearing this grass back to a tight stubble annually; cutting into the old, leafless woody base can kill the tussock.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry spells to maintain the vibrant blue-green foliage color.
Divide mature clumps in late winter or early spring to propagate and rejuvenate congested plants.

Don't

Do not shear the foliage back to the ground annually, as this can weaken or kill the tussock.
Avoid planting in dry, arid climates without providing supplemental irrigation.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Pest Check
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mass plantingErosion controlBorder edgingRain garden

Companion Plants

Muhlenbergia capillaris Schizachyrium scoparium Salvia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Common Tussock-grass questions

What zones can Common Tussock-grass grow in?

Common Tussock-grass 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.

Is Common Tussock-grass deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Common Tussock-grass, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Common Tussock-grass bloom?

Common 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 need full sun?

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

Is Common Tussock-grass drought tolerant?

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