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red tussock nz

Red tussock NZ refers to the iconic native grass, Chionochloa rubra, found throughout New Zealand's diverse landscapes. Renowned for its striking copper, russet, and tawny tones, red tussock creates rich visual interest in both natural habitats and modern garden designs. This beautiful grass is cherished by gardeners and landscapers alike for its year-round colour, texture, and resilience, making it a must-have for native planting schemes and eco-friendly projects.

Carex secta plants growing as a border garden in a commercial car park.

Carex secta (Swamp Sedge)

5 from 2 customers

Carex secta, commonly known as Pukio, is a striking New Zealand native sedge admired for its large, tussock forming habit and golden green foliage. Naturally found along wetlands, streams, and swampy areas, it provides important habitat for wildlife while adding texture and movement to the landscape.

From $12.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Tolerances: Hardy, Wet
Garden uses: Ponds
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian
Poa cita grass plants on a plateau overlooing the sea.

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.

From $9.95

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
Clivia miniata 'Red' plants with elegant, red flowers.
Clivia miniata 'Red'

Clivia miniata 'Red' is a striking evergreen perennial prized for its bold red trumpet shaped flowers that appear in late winter and spring. The...

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Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

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Loropetalum 'Red Temple'

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Phormium 'Rainbow Red' red and purple striped foliage.
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Leptospermum 'Red Damask'

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Knightia excelsa (Rewarewa) specimen tree in a park.
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Knightia excelsa, commonly known as Rewarewa, is an impressive NZ native tree featuring showy flowers and lush foliage. Unusual yet attractive, dark...

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Ribes 'Gloria de Versailles' (red currant) fruit hanging on a shrub.
Ribes 'Gloria de Versailles'

Ribes 'Gloria de Versailles' (Red Currant) is a productive fruiting shrub that suits NZ gardens beautifully. It produces generous clusters of bright...

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Metrosideros 'Mistral' specimen tree with colourful red flowers above olive-green foliage.
Metrosideros 'Mistral'

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Callistemon 'Red Alert' shrub in a garden.
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Callistemon 'Red Alert' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its brilliant red bottlebrush flowers that appear from spring into summer. The vivid...

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Leptospermum 'Red Falls' plant with red flowers and dark green-purple coloured leaves.
Leptospermum 'Red Falls'

Leptospermum 'Red Falls' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its cascading growth habit and masses of vibrant red flowers through spring and...

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Carex flagellifera Red plants.
Carex flagellifera 'Red'

Carex flagellifera 'Red' is a NZ native, ornamental grass grown for its colourful and attractive foliage. It produces slender and lush, copper-red...

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Lagerstroemia 'Crimson Red' showy red flowers.
Lagerstroemia 'Crimson Red'

Lagerstroemia 'Crimson Red' is a striking crepe myrtle renowned for its deep crimson summer flowers and attractive upright tree form. Flowering...

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Pseudowintera 'Red Glow' rose-coloured foliage.
Pseudowintera 'Red Glow'

Pseudowintera 'Red Glow' is a bright and vibrant NZ native shrub. New foliage emerges rose-pink and ages to become a fresh green colour. The leaf...

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Callistemon citrinus 'Red Cluster' small tree with masses of red, pendulous flowers.
Callistemon 'Red Cluster' (Red Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Red Cluster' is a striking bottlebrush variety valued for its clusters of vivid red flower spikes and dense evergreen foliage. Flowering...

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Cornus 'Southern Cross' white flowers with lush, green foliage.
Cornus kousa 'Southern Cross'

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Acer 'Red Sunset'

Acer 'Red Sunset' is one of the finest deciduous maples for autumn colour, producing a spectacular display of brilliant scarlet and crimson foliage...

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Buddleia 'Royal Red' dark pink flowers and grey-green foliage.
Buddleia 'Royal Red'

Buddleia 'Royal Red' is a bold deciduous shrub celebrated for its rich red crimson flower spikes and sweet summer fragrance. Flowering over an...

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Festuca coxii (Blue Fescue) grass growing in a garden.
Festuca coxii (Blue Fescue)

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Coprosma Red Rocks with colourful foliage in a garden.
Coprosma 'Red Rocks'

Coprosma 'Red Rocks' is a hardy NZ native shrub known for its rich red toned foliage and tough spreading habit. Naturally found in coastal...

From$11.95
Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' ground cover plant with creeping stems with green foliage and red flowers.
Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' (Red Bottlebrush)

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A cluster of Quercus rubra specimen trees with red foliage.
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Quercus rubra, commonly known as the Northern Red Oak tree, is a deciduous tree that features very colourful and lush foliage. The foliage emerges...

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Grevillea 'Red Clusters'

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Rhubarb 'Ruby Red' red stems.
Rhubarb 'Ruby Red'

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Cytisus 'Ruby' shrub with masses of red flowers.
Cytisus 'Ruby'

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Acer rubrum

Acer rubrum (Red Maple) is a magnificent deciduous tree renowned for its outstanding autumn colour and graceful growth habit. The fresh green foliage...

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Escallonia 'Red Knight' growing as a border around the base of a tree.
Escallonia 'Red Knight'

Escallonia 'Red Knight' is a vibrant evergreen shrub prized for its masses of rich red flowers and dense glossy foliage. This hardy variety produces...

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Photinia 'Red Robin' hedge with colourful foliage.
Photinia 'Red Robin'

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Salvia 'Riverton Red' plant with elegant red flowers and lush, green leaves.
Salvia 'Riverton Red'

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A stunning Albizia julibrissin 'Red Silk' tree with masses of red flowers.
Albizia 'Red Silk'

Albizia 'Red Silk' is a variety of the commonly known Silk Tree, and is grown for its delicate foliage and showy flowers. The fern-like foliage is...

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Carex secta (Swamp Sedge)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Carex, Clivia, and Knightia, or related Categories - Currants, Flaxes, and Grasses.

Search red tussock nz

What Makes Red Tussock NZ Special?

Native to New Zealand, red tussock thrives in open spaces, wetlands, and hillside environments. Its arching foliage turns vibrant red-bronze during colder months, delivering dramatic contrast when paired with other native grasses. Because of its robust growth and ability to tolerate wind and frost, red tussock is ideal for low-maintenance gardens, large-scale revegetation, and bank stabilisation projects.

Unlike many imported ornamental grasses, red tussock NZ has evolved to suit local soils and climates, making it a sustainable choice for New Zealand gardeners. It provides valuable habitat for native insects and birds, and its dense tufts help suppress weeds naturally.

Where to Plant Red Tussock

Red tussock is adaptable and suits a range of conditions, but for best results, plant it in full sun with moist, well-draining soil. It excels along driveways, in massed garden beds, rural shelter belts, and around ponds or water features. Red tussock mixes beautifully with other native and ornamental grasses such as Poa cita, adding layers of movement and colour throughout the seasons.

For dramatic effect, interplant red tussock with contrasting foliage like that of Carex secta (Swamp Sedge), or use alongside bold perennials such as Clivia miniata 'Red' (Natal Lily). These combinations maximise visual interest and biodiversity in your planting palette.

Red Tussock Care and Maintenance

Red tussock NZ is a low-care option once established. Simply cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh new growth and maintain a tidy look. While tolerant of dry periods, this grass benefits from extra moisture during establishment and prolonged dry spells.

Mulching around the base helps conserve moisture and prevent competition from weeds. Red tussock rarely suffers from pests or disease, making it a reliable choice for sustainable garden design. If re-planting on slopes or larger areas, space plants about 80-100cm apart for strong coverage.

Enhancing Native Landscapes with Red Tussock

Many of New Zealand’s alpine and subalpine environments feature native tussocks. To recreate this effect in your garden, consider grouping red tussock with Chionochloa flavescens (Snow Tussock) or Chionochloa rigida (Snow Tussock). These related species offer a stunning blend of heights, colours, and seasonal changes that anchor your landscape firmly in New Zealand’s unique botanical heritage.

Red tussock NZ is a fantastic way to enhance your garden with year-round structure and colour, support local fauna, and honour our native ecosystems. Whether in a contemporary design or a natural restoration, red tussock brings timeless beauty and resilience to any New Zealand outdoor space.

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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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Azara microphylla and Corokia 'Mangatangi' have stood the test of time, but new generations of gardeners are discovering Pittosporum 'Little Kiwi', Corokia 'Little Prince', and Cyperus papyrus 'Nana'.
–The Plant Company

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