Themeda triandra 'Mingo'
grass

Kangaroo Grass, Mingo Kangaroo Grass

Themeda triandra 'Mingo'

The Story

Plant Bio

Themeda triandra, commonly known as kangaroo grass, is a widespread perennial grass native to diverse Australian habitats from open woodlands to coastal grasslands. It forms upright or sprawling tussocks characterised by distinct, drooping seed heads with long, dark awns that twist in response to moisture changes.

'Mingo' is a prostrate, blue-grey selection that forms a dense, low-spreading groundcover reaching only 15 to 20 centimetres in height. Its foliage transitions to rich purple, maroon, and rusty-red tones during cooler seasons, while producing sterile or controlled seed heads that prevent invasive spreading.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides a dense, blue-grey foliage carpet that transitions to deep purple and red tones in winter, topped with decorative bronze seed heads.
Practical UsesFunctions as an effective low-maintenance groundcover for soil stabilisation and erosion control on slopes.
Ecological BenefitsProvides essential ground-level habitat and cover for native lizards, butterflies, larvae, and seed-eating birds.
SpeciesThemeda triandraKangaroo Grass, Red Grass, Rooigras

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

8 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to high

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer – Autumn

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 planting site in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil.
  2. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and of equal depth.
  3. Gently remove the plant from its pot, loosen outer roots, and place it in the hole.
  4. Backfill with native soil, firm down gently, and water thoroughly to settle.

Pro Tip

Avoid shearing this cultivar back to bare woody stems; instead, lightly comb out dead thatch or trim weathered foliage tips to preserve the dense, prostrate habit.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Plant in well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
  • Allow the soil to dry out between waterings once established.
  • Trim lightly to remove weathered foliage tips.

Don't

  • Do not prune heavily into old, bare woody stems.
  • Do not apply high-phosphorus or heavy synthetic fertilisers.
  • Do not plant in poorly drained, waterlogged positions.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Divide
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

GroundcoverMass plantingErosion control on embankmentsRock gardensCoastal borders

Companion Plants

Dianella caeruleaLomandra longifoliaChrysocephalum apiculatumCorrea alba

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Kangaroo Grass, Mingo Kangaroo Grass questions

What zones can Kangaroo Grass, Mingo Kangaroo Grass grow in?

Kangaroo Grass, Mingo Kangaroo 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.

When does Kangaroo Grass, Mingo Kangaroo Grass bloom?

Kangaroo Grass, Mingo Kangaroo Grass typically blooms in summer through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Kangaroo Grass, Mingo Kangaroo Grass need full sun?

Kangaroo Grass, Mingo Kangaroo Grass does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Kangaroo Grass, Mingo Kangaroo Grass drought tolerant?

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

More Themeda to compare

Kangaroo Grass, Red Grass, Rooigras

Kangaroo Grass, Red Grass, Rooigras

Themeda triandra

Zones 8–10· 2 saves

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