The Story
Plant Bio
Microlaena stipoides, commonly known as weeping grass, is a slender, tufted perennial grass native to most of Australia, forming a soft, bright green ground cover or lawn alternative. The species spreads via contracted rhizomes to form a dense mat, distinguished by narrow, flat leaves with characteristic hairy auricles at the leaf-sheath junctions.
This grass is highly valued for its exceptional shade tolerance, thriving under established tree canopies where exotic turf species fail to survive. During dry periods, the foliage enters a semi-dormant state and recovers rapidly with rainfall, maintaining a greener year-round appearance than many introduced pasture grasses.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Grass
Height
28 inches
Width
39 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Australia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Spring – Autumn
In flower about 7 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Prepare the planting site by removing competing weeds and loosening the topsoil to a depth of 10 centimetres.
- Plant tube stock at 20 to 30 centimetre intervals for rapid coverage, ensuring the crown sits level with the soil surface.
- Water thoroughly immediately after planting and maintain consistent moisture for the first six weeks to establish the root system.
- Once established, reduce watering to a minimum and allow the soil to dry out between rainfall events.
Pro Tip
Mow this grass high—no lower than 40 millimetres—or leave it entirely unmown; scalping or applying high-nitrogen synthetic fertilisers will rapidly deplete the root reserves and kill the stand.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Mow at a high setting to preserve the crown and encourage a thick, healthy mat.
- Allow the delicate, weeping seed heads to mature in autumn to encourage self-seeding.
- Grow in acidic to neutral soils to match its natural habitat preferences.
Don't
- Do not apply heavy synthetic nitrogen fertilisers, which weaken the plant's natural resilience.
- Do not scalp the grass close to the ground, as this destroys the growing nodes.
- Do not overwater in poorly drained clay soils, which can induce fungal root rot.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
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
Weeping Grass questions
What zones can Weeping Grass grow in?
Weeping 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 Weeping Grass bloom?
Weeping Grass typically blooms in spring through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Weeping Grass need full sun?
Weeping Grass does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Weeping Grass drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Weeping Grass handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Weeping Grass 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.