perennial

Grass tree, Grey grass-tree, Queensland blue grass tree, Kangaroo tail, Cadi, Gadi, Babang, Binda, Marrady, Maybal, Mingo

The Story

Plant Bio

Xanthorrhoea glauca is a slow-growing Australian monocot that develops a thick, charcoal-coloured trunk topped by a dense crown of narrow, arching leaves. Over many decades, the trunk elongates at a rate of only one to two centimetres per year, eventually producing massive vertical flower spikes densely packed with creamy-white blossoms.

This species is distinguished by its highly glaucous, blue-green to grey-green foliage and its ability to flower regularly without the stimulus of wildfire. It naturally inhabits rocky slopes, gorge edges, and well-drained basaltic or sandstone soils across eastern Australia.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dramatic, architectural silhouette with striking blue-green foliage and massive vertical flower spikes.

Highly drought-tolerant and fire-resistant once established, making it ideal for low-maintenance, water-wise landscapes.

Supports native bees, butterflies, and a wide diversity of insects with nectar-rich flowers, while attracting honeyeaters and native birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

315 inches

Width

98 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived perennial

Native To

Eastern Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic (sharp leaves)

Bloom period

Winter – Summer

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with excellent air circulation and sharp, unimpeded drainage.
Excavate a hole twice as wide as the container but of equal depth to keep the crown level with the surrounding soil.
Gently slide the plant from its pot, taking extreme care not to disturb or break the sensitive root ball.
Backfill with free-draining soil, firm down lightly without compacting the root zone, and water in sparingly around the base.

Pro Tip

Never wet the central growing point when watering, as trapped moisture in the crown triggers fatal collar rot. Ensure the root ball remains entirely undisturbed during planting, as these plants rely on a highly sensitive, intact root system for survival.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure the soil drains rapidly and completely after rainfall.
Clear dead leaves carefully from the upper trunk if a clean trunk profile is preferred.
Use coarse, inorganic gravel mulches to keep the collar dry.
Apply low-phosphorus native fertilisers very sparingly during active growth.

Don't

Never water directly into the central crown or allow water to pool at the growing point.
Never prune or shear back the living green leaves of the crown.
Never cut into the trunk or old, resin-cemented leaf bases.
Never attempt to transplant mature, wild-collected specimens.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Architectural focal pointRock gardens and gravel slopesNative and water-wise gardensDry coastal landscapes

Companion Plants

Anigozanthos flavidus Lomandra longifolia Grevillea fililoba

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Grass tree, Grey grass-tree, Queensland blue grass tree, Kangaroo tail, Cadi, Gadi, Babang, Binda, Marrady, Maybal, Mingo questions

What zones can Grass tree, Grey grass-tree, Queensland blue grass tree, Kangaroo tail, Cadi, Gadi, Babang, Binda, Marrady, Maybal, Mingo grow in?

Grass tree, Grey grass-tree, Queensland blue grass tree, Kangaroo tail, Cadi, Gadi, Babang, Binda, Marrady, Maybal, Mingo is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Grass tree, Grey grass-tree, Queensland blue grass tree, Kangaroo tail, Cadi, Gadi, Babang, Binda, Marrady, Maybal, Mingo bloom?

Grass tree, Grey grass-tree, Queensland blue grass tree, Kangaroo tail, Cadi, Gadi, Babang, Binda, Marrady, Maybal, Mingo typically blooms in winter through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Grass tree, Grey grass-tree, Queensland blue grass tree, Kangaroo tail, Cadi, Gadi, Babang, Binda, Marrady, Maybal, Mingo need full sun?

Grass tree, Grey grass-tree, Queensland blue grass tree, Kangaroo tail, Cadi, Gadi, Babang, Binda, Marrady, Maybal, Mingo does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Grass tree, Grey grass-tree, Queensland blue grass tree, Kangaroo tail, Cadi, Gadi, Babang, Binda, Marrady, Maybal, Mingo drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Grass tree, Grey grass-tree, Queensland blue grass tree, Kangaroo tail, Cadi, Gadi, Babang, Binda, Marrady, Maybal, Mingo handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.