Kneed Wallaby Grass

Kneed Wallaby Grass (Rytidosperma geniculatum) is a fine leaved Australian native tussock, up to 50cm high and around 20cm wide, named for the bent, kneed look of its flowering stems. Delicate cream seedheads float above the green foliage in the warmer months. It is a tough, low upkeep grass for dry spots, native style gardens and revegetation.

Why you'll love it

• A southern Australian original. This grass grows naturally across southern Australia, so it belongs in a native or regional planting.
• Soft, fine texture. Narrow leaves and fine stems add movement, and the bent stems and cream seedheads give it character.
• Tough and adaptable. It is drought hardy, tolerant of harsh conditions and fine in a wide range of soils, clay included.
• Wildlife value. It feeds birds and butterflies, and it is a favourite of the endangered golden sun moth.
• Low maintenance. Once established it asks for one cut and one feed a year.

Where it works best

Mass planting and meadow effects. Plant 25cm apart for a dense, natural looking sweep. Drifts of it look best when the stems are free to move in the wind.

Slopes and erosion control. The fibrous clumps hold soil on banks and batters, and they need little care once they take.

Bushland and wildlife gardens. A good understorey grass for revegetation and wildlife refuges, mixing well with local shrubs and wildflowers.

Dry lawn alternatives. It works as a soft, low native cover in dry spots where you do not walk much, though it will not take heavy foot traffic the way turf does.

Growing Kneed Wallaby Grass in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. It grows naturally across southern Australia and tolerates frost and a wide range of climates, so it suits cool temperate, warm temperate, Mediterranean and dry inland gardens.

Soil. It tolerates a wide range of soils, including clay, sand, acid and alkaline ground, so soil preparation can be light.

Water and feed. Water new plants regularly until they establish, then leave them to the weather. A native slow release fertiliser once a year is plenty.

Pruning. In late summer, chop overgrown clumps down to about ankle height. Fresh growth follows in autumn.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Kneed Wallaby Grass as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Expect a small tuft of narrow green leaves, not a plant in seed. Plants this size handle freight well, so unpack them promptly and keep them watered until they go in the ground. The seedheads and the bent stems appear as the clump matures, so plant out in autumn or spring while the soil is workable and rain is likely.

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 and strappy leaf plants
• More Australian native plants
• Replacing your lawn with native plants
• Ornamental grasses for Australian gardens

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 25cm apart for a continuous planting as the clumps fill out. Space a little wider if you want each tussock to read on its own.

When should I cut it back?

Late summer, down to about ankle height, but only when the clumps are overgrown. That prompts fresh growth in autumn.

Can it replace a lawn?

Partly. It makes a soft native cover in dry, low traffic areas, but it will not stand up to play or heavy foot traffic like turf.