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red tussock for sale

Looking to buy red tussock for sale in New Zealand? Chionochloa rubra, commonly known as red tussock, is an iconic native grass perfect for adding texture, colour, and movement to your landscape. Whether you’re after a dramatic feature for large rural plantings, erosion control, or a hardy grass for recreating a natural NZ ecosystem at home, red tussock is a reliable and beautiful choice. Our nursery offers healthy, locally grown Chionochloa rubra plants ready for delivery nationwide.

Chionochloa rubra

5 from 5 customers

Chionochloa rubra, commonly known as Red Tussock, is a striking New Zealand native grass admired for its tall, arching foliage in shades of bronze and red. Naturally found in tussock grasslands, this hardy plant adds colour, texture, and movement to the landscape. Red Tussock is perfect for mass planting, large gardens, and naturalistic designs, where its bold form creates a dramatic statement. Resilient and low maintenance, it thrives in a wide range of NZ conditions.

Red Tussock (chionochloa rubra) growing in their natural environment.
  • Suited to regions:
    All regions
  • Plant type:
    Grasses
  • Height:
    1.00 m
  • Spread:
    1.00 m
  • Tolerances:
    Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
  • Garden uses:
    Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
  • Garden styles:
    Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian
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Chionochloa rubra

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Why Choose Red Tussock (Chionochloa rubra)?

Red tussock thrives in a variety of New Zealand landscapes, from wetlands and hillsides to lowland gardens. Its stunning copper-red foliage catches the light beautifully, especially in winter and autumn, creating a warm glow across the landscape. With its graceful arching leaves, this tussock forms robust clumps that can survive in both dry and damp conditions. Red tussock is frequently used in restoration projects, native gardens, and as an eco-friendly solution for stabilising soil on slopes or embankments.

Ideal Uses for Red Tussock

Growing & Caring for Red Tussock

Chionochloa rubra prefers full sun to partial shade and adapts to a variety of soils, from clay to sandy loam. Once established, it’s tolerant of drought and frost, making it a resilient choice for gardeners across New Zealand. Annual trimming in late winter encourages fresh growth and keeps plants tidy. For the best effect, group several tussocks together and combine with contrasting natives like Chionochloa flavicans (Miniature Toetoe), Chionochloa rigida (Snow Tussock), or Festuca actae (Blue Tussock).

Companion Grasses & Native Plants

Enhance your planting scheme by mixing red tussock with other native grasses, like Carex Frosted Curls for a delicate, silvery accent or Poa billardierei (Hinarepe) for soft coastal textures. For wetland or sandy areas, consider Lachnagrostis billardierei (Sand Wind Grass). If you enjoy bold foliage, Chionochloa conspicua (Hunangamoho) and Chionochloa flavescens (Snow Tussock) pair beautifully with red tussock. For shaded spots, Carex Evergold brings variegated brightness.

Order Red Tussock Online

Ready to establish a unique NZ landscape? Browse our red tussock for sale and choose robust Chionochloa rubra plants for your next project. We also supply a wide range of New Zealand grasses and natives to help you create a thriving, sustainable garden. Our team is passionate about native plants and happy to offer expert advice for your planting needs.

Red tussock is a striking, practical addition to any Kiwi garden. Place your order today and enjoy the beauty and resilience of Chionochloa rubra for years to come.


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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

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