red tussock for sale nz

What is Red Tussock (Chionochloa rubra)?

Chionochloa rubra, also known as Red Tussock, is a striking native grass found throughout the central and southern regions of New Zealand. It typically forms large, fountain-like clumps, reaching a mature size of 1 to 1.5 metres tall. Its foliage displays stunning autumnal hues – copper, amber, and burgundy tones that intensify in winter. Red Tussock creates a natural, wind-swept look that blends seamlessly with other native species and open landscapes.

Why Choose Red Tussock for NZ Gardens?

If you’re seeking a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant with real visual impact, Red Tussock is ideal. It’s superb for mass planting, erosion control, native revegetation, or as a specimen feature in modern landscaping. It thrives in both heavy and sandy soils, copes well with wet conditions, and handles light frosts with ease.

Red Tussock is also playground-safe and pet-friendly, offering movement, colour and texture throughout the year. Its strong form creates wildlife shelter, making it an excellent addition to habitat gardens and eco-friendly projects.

Landscaping with Red Tussock: Great Combinations

Red Tussock pairs beautifully with a range of other native NZ tussocks and grasses. Try combining with Chionochloa flavicans (Miniature Toetoe), whose graceful seed heads provide a delicate contrast, or Chionochloa rigida (Snow Tussock) for subtle texture variation. Planting with Festuca actae (Blue Tussock) or Uncinia Red (Red Hook Sedge) adds even more colour and interest from season to season.

Other excellent grass companions include Carex glauca, which brings cool blue tones, or Carex raotest (Orange Dune Sedge) for extra warmth and resilience in coastal or sandy conditions. Create an all-native scheme with Chionochloa conspicua (Hunangamoho) and Chionochloa flavescens (Snow Tussock) for textural harmony and year-round interest.

How to Grow Red Tussock

Plant Red Tussock in full sun or partial shade for best colour development. It adapts to most soil types, provided drainage is reasonable. Mulch well after planting to reduce summer drying and suppress weeds. Water during establishment, but once settled, Chionochloa rubra is resilient and rarely requires additional care beyond a tidy-up of old foliage every few years.

Red Tussock for Sale NZ – Order Now

Enhance your landscape with top-quality Red Tussock from our nursery, available for delivery throughout New Zealand. Whether you’re restoring native bush, designing a wildlife haven, or simply adding visual drama to your garden, Chionochloa rubra is a proven choice. Browse our full range of NZ native and exotic grasses, including Lomandra Wingarra, and order with confidence. Your dream garden, filled with movement, colour and texture, starts here.