Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

Poa cita Silver Tussock

Poa cita silver tussock is one of New Zealand’s best-known and most visually striking native tussock grasses. Revered for its soft, silvery-green foliage and elegant weeping form, Poa cita (commonly called Silver Tussock) creates dreamy movement and texture in gardens large and small. Whether you’re cultivating a native landscape, looking for low-maintenance groundcovers, or restoring wild spaces, Poa cita silver tussock is an excellent choice that thrives across a wide range of conditions throughout New Zealand.

Poa cita

Poa cita, commonly known as Silver Tussock, is a clump-forming NZ native grass with delicate, green foliage that wafts gracefully in the breeze. It typically grows to 60 cm in height and 50 cm in width, preferring a full sun or partial shade position on a well-drained site. Poa cita is also often included in borders, rock gardens, mass-planted on a bank, or planted to help minimize erosion. Landscape designers in NZ frequently use Silver Tussock in alpine-themed gardens or modern gardens for their rounded, architectural form.

Poa cita grass plants on a plateau overlooing the sea.
  • Suited to regions:
    All regions
  • Plant type:
    Grasses
  • Height:
    60 cm
  • Spread:
    50 cm
  • Flowering time:
    Summer
  • Tolerances:
    Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
  • Garden uses:
    Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
  • Garden styles:
    Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native
Poa anceps plant with brown flower heads.
Most Popular

Poa anceps (Broad-leaved Poa)

Poa anceps, commonly known as Broad leaved Snow Grass, is a hardy NZ native tussock valued for its graceful, arching green leaves and ability to...

Poa billardierei grass growing at a beach.
Most Popular

Poa billardierei (Hinarepe)

Poa billardierei, commonly known as Sand Tussock, features fawn-green coloured foliage as it grows to 70 cm tall and 50 cm wide. The fine leaves are...

Poa colensoi growing in an alpine location.
Most Popular

Poa colensoi

Poa colensoi is an ornamental tussock grass that features fine, blue-green foliage and grows to about 30 cm high and wide. Poa colensoi is commonly...

Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' grasses as a mass planting and featuring elegant, cream-coloured flower heads as plumes.
Most Popular

Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster'

Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' is a popular ornamental grass known for its upright, clump-forming habit and tall, feathery flower plumes. It grows to...

From$22.88
Carex oshimensis 'Everillo' lime-green plants in a border garden.
Most Popular

Carex oshimensis 'Everillo'

Carex oshimensis ‘Everillo’ is a standout ornamental sedge prized for its vivid lime yellow foliage that adds instant brightness to NZ gardens. This...

From$26.33
Liriope muscari 'Pee Dee Gold Ingot' plants with yellow foliage in a border garden.
Most Popular

Liriope 'Pee Dee Gold Ingot'

Liriope 'Pee Dee Gold Ingot', commonly known as Purple Liriope or Lilyturf, grows as a clump and produces strap-like, golden-yellow leaves up to 20...

From$18.83
liriope-muscari-evergreen-giant-
Most Popular

Liriope 'Evergreen Giant'

Liriope 'Evergreen Giant' is an herbaceous perennial that grows as a clump and produces strap-like, dark green leaves. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.18
Ophiopogon 'Kyoto' (Dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.
Most Popular

Ophiopogon Kyoto

Ophiopogon 'Kyoto' is a Dwarf Mondo Grass and grows as a small clump with fine, dark green foliage. Flower spikes appear in summer bearing tiny...

From$6.08
Poa cita

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Poa or Grasses.

Search Poa cita

What is Poa cita silver tussock?

Also known simply as Silver Tussock, Poa cita is a perennial grass endemic to New Zealand’s drier regions. Its fine, arching leaves form characteristic mounds or tufts, which glint with a silvery sheen, especially in the sun. Reaching around 60 cm high and wide, Poa cita silver tussock offers year-round appeal, with feathery flowerheads appearing in late spring and early summer.

Key Benefits and Uses

Poa cita silver tussock is prized for its versatility. Its drought tolerance and hardiness make it particularly well-suited to coastal gardens, exposed sites, rural landscapes, and urban plantings alike. It performs beautifully in mass plantings, erosion control projects, and rock gardens. For low-maintenance gardening, Silver Tussock is a perfect solution – simply cut back dead foliage every few years to encourage new growth.

Plant Care and Growing Tips

Plant Poa cita silver tussock in full sun or light shade, in well-drained soils. Once established, it’s highly resilient to dry conditions and poor soils. Space plants about 60 cm apart for a naturalistic, flowing effect. Mulching around new plants aids establishment, though mature tussocks rarely need additional attention aside from the occasional tidy-up.

Pairing with Other Grasses and Natives

Poa cita silver tussock blends seamlessly with other native and ornamental grasses. For added textural contrast and interest, consider partnering it with Poa anceps (Broad-leaved Poa), a lush, broad-leaved species. The coastal Poa billardierei (Hinarepe) is another beautiful choice for sandy or exposed areas. For alpine-inspired plantings, Poa colensoi adds compact mounds and golden hues, while Scirpus ferrugineus brings a striking, upright architectural form.

Looking for something a bit different? Hardy evergreen options like Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass) or shade-tolerant grass-like plants such as Liriope 'Isabella', Liriope 'Emerald Cascade', and Liriope 'Elmarco' can be wonderful companions to Poa cita silver tussock and extend your planting palette.

Why Choose Native Grasses?

Native species like Poa cita silver tussock are resilient, require less water and fertiliser, and provide valuable habitats for local wildlife. Their natural good looks and suitability to New Zealand’s climate make them the smart choice for modern, sustainable landscapes.

Bring lasting structure, shimmer, and New Zealand character to your garden with Poa cita silver tussock—and enjoy the beauty and benefits of this true local classic.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

429 Google reviews