Tufted Grass Tree

Tufted Grass Tree (Xanthorrhoea semiplana) is a southern grass tree that grows about 2m tall and 1.5m wide, forming large, rounded balls of fine, grassy leaves. Over time it develops a thick trunk, and mature plants send up tall spires of cream flowers that dry to deep brown. It is a slow, long-term feature plant with real character.

Why you'll love it

• A sculptural shape. Long, slender leaves form a dense rounded ball, which gives any garden a strong architectural accent.
• Wildlife value. The cream flower spires are rich in nectar for pollinators, and the seed spikes that follow feed birds and small mammals. The dense clump also gives shelter from summer heat and winter cold.
• From the cool south. It grows wild across South Australia and Victoria, so it is well suited to southern conditions.
• Drought tolerant once settled. After the early seasons it needs little more than mulch and the occasional drink.
• Fits dry, sunny gardens. Rockeries, landscape beds, container planting and revegetation all suit it.

Where it works best

Rockeries and waterwise beds. Plant it as a lone accent in a sunny rockery, leaving 1.5m on every side so the rounded crown has room.

Large containers. A big, well drained pot in full sun suits a young plant for years, and can sit beside a patio or an entrance.

Legacy and revegetation planting. Grass trees are a long-term investment. They suit revegetation in southern regions, and many gardeners plant them for the generations that follow.

Growing Tufted Grass Tree in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun in an open, airy position, though it tolerates part shade. Found wild across South Australia and Victoria, it suits warm temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean and dry inland gardens. Native to the cooler south, it takes frost in its stride. Avoid humid, sheltered spots, where fungus can take hold.

Soil. Plant in well drained soil, keeping the crown at soil level, not buried below it. Keep it away from pipes and buildings.

Water and feed. Water as needed to settle it in, then back off. More water means faster growth, but a plant kept on the dry side is the tougher one in a heatwave or a drought.

Pruning. Leave it alone. Dead leaves can stay as a skirt, and the spent flower spike can be removed once it has dried if you prefer a tidy plant.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Tufted Grass Tree as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube. It arrives as a small tuft of fine green leaves. Grass trees are slow, and it will be years before a trunk forms and longer before the first flower spike, so buy it as a long-term investment. Plant it out soon after it arrives, water it in and mulch around the base without covering the crown.

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 Australian native plants
• Grasses and strappy leaf plants
• Rockery plants for sunny gardens
• Plants for arid and semi arid climates

Common questions

How big does a Tufted Grass Tree get?

About 2m tall and 1.5m wide, with a rounded ball of leaves on a slowly lengthening trunk. Growth is slow, so reaching that size takes many years.

Where should I not plant it?

Away from pipes and buildings, and out of sheltered, humid corners. It wants an open, sunny, well drained position.

Does it attract wildlife?

Yes. The cream flower spires are rich in nectar, and the seed spikes feed birds and small mammals. The dense clump also gives shelter in summer heat and winter cold.