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red tussock grass for sale nz

If you’re searching for high-quality red tussock grass for sale NZ wide, you’re in the right place. Chionochloa rubra, commonly known as red tussock grass, is a striking native ornamental prized for its tall, graceful form and reddish-bronze foliage. Its adaptability, unique colour, and elegant movement in the breeze make it a favourite choice for eco-friendly landscaping, large-scale revegetation, and contemporary garden design throughout New Zealand. Whether you’re restoring a wetland, planting a native border, or just adding dramatic colour and texture to your landscape, red tussock delivers effortless style and year-round visual interest.

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 Grass (Chionochloa rubra)?

Red tussock grass is an iconic feature of the NZ landscape, thriving in moist sites from the lowlands to the subalpine zones. Its fine foliage forms dense tussocks that change from red-brown to gold as the seasons shift, creating dynamic visual impact in any planting scheme. Red tussock grass is highly valued for:

If you’re after a robust grass for difficult spots, red tussock’s deep rooting system helps stabilise banks and cope with exposed conditions, making it a sustainable choice.

How to Grow and Use Red Tussock Grass

Chionochloa rubra thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers damp, free-draining soils, although it’s more adaptable than many natives once established. Plant in groups for maximum impact, or mix with other New Zealand grasses for a naturalistic effect. Red tussock is ideal for:

Water well during the initial establishment phase, then enjoy this tough, drought-tolerant grass that needs minimal maintenance.

Pair Red Tussock with Other NZ Natives

For a truly New Zealand feel, combine your red tussock with a variety of contrasting textures and colours. Try massing with Chionochloa flavicans (Miniature Toetoe) for subtle feathery plumes, or plant alongside Chionochloa rigida (Snow Tussock) and Chionochloa flavescens (Snow Tussock) for a dramatic tussock garden effect. For wet areas, integrate Baumea articulata or Acorus gramineus (Japanese Sweet Flag) for textural harmony.

Looking for even more contrasts? Try the bold foliage of Ophiopogon japonicus or the striking orange tones of Carex raotest (Orange Dune Sedge) for year-round interest.

Order Red Tussock Grass for Sale NZ

Enhance your native planting project with red tussock grass for sale NZ from trusted growers. Each plant is nursery-raised to ensure strong, healthy growth suited to local conditions. Explore our full collection of decorative and locally-sourced tussocks, including Chionochloa conspicua (Hunangamoho), right here. Recreate the beauty of the New Zealand wild in your own garden or landscape.

Start your red tussock planting journey today and enjoy the best of NZ native grasses delivered to your door.


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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.

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