Kangaroo Grass

Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra) is the native tussock grass that grows naturally right across Australia. It forms clumps of fine, greyish leaves with tall stems and protein-rich seedheads tipped with long awns, reaching about 1.2m to 1.5m high and 0.5m wide. Once established it asks for very little.

Why you'll love it

• Native to the whole country. It is found naturally all over Australia, from Tasmania to the top of Queensland and across the centre, which suggests it will do its best in most garden climates.
• Drought hardy once established. After the first summer it needs little extra water, which suits dry gardens and low input plantings.
• Summer colour. The stems and seedheads turn deep orange in summer, giving the clump a second season of interest.
• Food and shelter for wildlife. The seedheads and the dense tussock feed and shelter small wildlife, which is why it features in revegetation and wildlife gardens.
• Low maintenance. It grows better when left alone, especially in autumn and winter.

Where it works best

Mass planting and revegetation. Plant 50cm apart for a dense planting of tussocks, or space it wider for a looser, more natural look.

Wildlife gardens. Use it for food and shelter among native shrubs. The long awns on the seedheads can catch in a dog's coat, so site it away from play areas.

Gardens next to bushland. The seed is often infertile and germination unreliable, which makes it a useful choice beside bushland, because it is unlikely to spread.

Growing Kangaroo Grass in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to a partly shaded position. It tolerates a wide range of soils and climates, and occurs naturally from tropical Queensland to Tasmania. Our grower rates it frost tender, though, so in frosty gardens plant a few first and test them over a winter before committing to a large planting.

Soil. Clay or sand, it takes both. A wide range of soils suits it, and it does not need enriching.

Water and feed. Water through the first summer while the roots settle, then leave it. It is drought hardy once established and does not need feeding.

Pruning. Leave it alone through autumn and winter. If you prefer a tidy look, cut the plants back in early spring to reveal fresh green growth.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Kangaroo Grass as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes are the usual choice for revegetation and large mass plantings, and the 140mm pots give a stronger start for a smaller planting.

Our tubes come straight from the grower and are not always available. If there are none today, the tube shows as sold out here, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it returns.

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

• Grasses for landscaping
• More Australian native plants
• Plants for mass planting
• Ornamental grasses for Australian gardens

Common questions

How far apart should I plant Kangaroo Grass?

Plant 50cm apart for a dense planting. For revegetation or a looser, more natural look, wider spacing is fine.

Will it self-seed through my garden?

Seed is often infertile and germination is unreliable, so it is unlikely to spread. That makes it a safe choice beside bushland, but do not rely on it to fill gaps by itself.

When should I cut it back?

Only if you like a tidy look. The plant does best when left alone, especially in autumn and winter, so cut it back in early spring to show fresh green growth.