Palm Grass

Palm Grass (Molineria capitulata, still widely sold as Curculigo recurvata) gives you the look of a young palm frond at knee to waist height. Each clump reaches about 1.2m tall and 1.2m across, with broad pleated leaves that arch out in a neat fountain. Use it when a shaded bed needs bold tropical texture rather than another fine leafed grass.

Why you'll love it

• Real tropical texture. The deeply ribbed leaves catch light like a small palm, a much bigger effect than any strappy leafed plant of the same size.
• It wants the shade. Part shade and dappled light suit it, so it solves the awkward beds under trees, eaves and pergolas.
• Low maintenance clumping habit. It forms a tidy clump rather than running, and asks for little beyond water and the occasional tidy up of old leaves.
• Handles heat and humidity. Summer in the north does not check it, which is why it is a staple of subtropical courtyards and resort planting.

Where it works best

Mass planting under trees. Set plants 1m apart for a full massed understorey. At that spacing the leaves overlap into a continuous green floor within two seasons without crowding each crown.

Feature planting. A single clump works beside a path, a water feature or a shaded entry, where the pleated leaves read clearly against a wall or paving.

Pots and containers. A pot 400mm or wider suits one plant, and containers make it practical in warm temperate gardens where it can be moved under cover for winter.

Growing palm grass in Australia

Position and climate. Part shade to dappled light, sheltered from strong wind because the broad leaves tear. It is a plant for tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens only. It is frost tender, so cool inland and southern gardens should grow it in a pot or indoors in bright indirect light.

Soil. Rich, well drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Dig compost through the bed before planting and mulch 50mm deep, which keeps the surface roots cool through summer.

Water and feed. Moderate, consistent water: the leaves show stress quickly if the bed dries out, and the edges brown. A complete slow release fertiliser in early spring and again in midsummer keeps the new leaves large and deep green.

Pruning. None needed. Cut spent or damaged leaves off at the base as they age, and divide congested clumps in spring if you want more plants.

What to expect when it arrives

It comes in two sizes: a 175mm pack of six, and single plants in 300mm pots. The 175mm plants are the value choice for a large massed bed and take a season longer to fill. A 300mm plant already carries several full sized leaves and can go straight into a feature position.

Broad leaves bruise in transit more easily than narrow ones, so a bent or marked leaf on arrival is normal and not a fault. New leaves push from the centre within four to six weeks in warm weather. Delivered Australia wide, delivery from $29.95, with a minimum order of $300 before delivery and our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Designing a tropical garden that stays lush
• Browse the wider grasses and strappy leaf range
• Find companions in tropical plants
• The best ground cover plants for shade

Common questions

Is it actually a grass?

No. Despite the name and the strappy look it is not a true grass, and it is not related to palms either. It simply borrows the shape of both.

How far apart should I plant it?

One metre apart for a massed understorey. Closer planting leaves crowns competing and the clumps lose their distinct fountain shape.

Will it survive frost?

No, it is frost tender. In cool temperate districts grow it in a container that can shift under cover, or keep it as an indoor plant in bright indirect light.

Does it flower?

It does, but the small yellow flowers sit tucked down at the base of the clump and are easy to miss. Buy this one for the foliage.