Coastal Tussock Grass

Coastal Tussock Grass (Poa poiformis) is the native tussock to reach for when a site is exposed, sandy and impossible to keep watered. It forms a neat blue green clump about 70cm tall and 60cm across, holds that shape without trimming, and grows naturally on the dunes and headlands of south eastern Australia. Salt spray, wind and poor soil are its normal conditions rather than a hardship.

Why you'll love it

• Built for the coast. Salt tolerant, wind tolerant and used in dune stabilisation, so a front line seaside bed is well within its range.
• Blue green colour all year. Evergreen fine foliage that reads as a cool contrast against grey timber and concrete.
• Tidy and low maintenance. A 70cm by 60cm tussock that does not run or flop, drought tolerant once established and frost hardy.
• Safe around pets. A pet friendly grass, so it can go in a bed the dog walks past every day.

Where it works best

Mass planting and coastal gardens. Plant 50cm apart for a dense mass planting. At that spacing the tussocks knit into a continuous drift within two seasons and shade out most weeds.

Borders and edging. A single row at 50cm centres gives a soft, informal edge to a path, low enough that it never blocks sight lines.

Retaining walls, slopes and rockeries. The fibrous roots bind loose sandy soil, so it holds a bank together or softens the top of a wall.

Growing Coastal Tussock Grass in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the tightest, bluest clumps. It belongs in warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens, and it is frost hardy, so cold southern winters are not an issue.

Soil. Sandy and free draining is ideal, and poor soil is fine. What it will not accept is heavy clay that stays wet in winter, so on those sites mound the planting position and open the soil with coarse sand.

Water and feed. Water weekly through the first summer to get the roots down, then leave it alone in all but long dry spells. A light native fertiliser in early spring is plenty, and rich soil only makes the foliage soft and floppy.

Pruning. None required. If a clump looks tired after three or four years, cut it back to about 15cm in early spring and it will reshoot cleanly.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in three sizes. Tubes are the economical choice for a large planting and reach full size within about two seasons. The 140mm plants come in packs of ten and the 200mm plants in packs of six, both already forming a visible tussock.

Grasses travel well. Expect some bent or creased foliage on arrival, which grows out within weeks and is not a fault. Plant straight away, water in, and expect roots to take hold within a month in the warmer months. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the full range of grasses and strappy leaf plants.
• Compare options in coastal and salt tolerant plants.
• Read our guide to designing with ornamental grasses.

Common questions

How many plants do I need per square metre?

At 50cm spacing you need four plants per square metre for a dense mass planting. For a looser look with mulch showing between the clumps, stretch it to 70cm and use two or three.

Will it grow right on the beachfront?

Yes. This is one of the species used to stabilise coastal dunes, so salt spray and sand are its natural conditions. It still needs regular water for the first summer while the roots establish.

Is it safe for dogs?

Yes. It is pet friendly and not toxic to cats or dogs, and the foliage is fine textured rather than sharp.

Does it self seed into the garden?

It sets seed, but it is not aggressive and seedlings pull out easily. Cut the flowering stems off before the heads ripen if you would rather avoid it.