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small tussock grass

Small tussock grass is a versatile and attractive addition to New Zealand gardens, prized for its fine texture, hardy nature, and ability to thrive in a range of conditions. These compact grasses are perfect for low-maintenance landscapes, contemporary plantings, and ecological gardens. Whether you want to fill a rockery, create borders along paths, or add structure to a native garden bed, small tussock grasses offer practical and aesthetic solutions. Their tidy growth habit and subtle movement in the wind bring life and interest to outdoor spaces year-round.

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
Lomandra Little Lime in a garden with lush, green foliage.

Lomandra Little Lime

5 from 2 customers

Lomandra Little Lime is a compact ornamental grass known for its vibrant lime-green foliage and tidy, rounded form. Growing to about 50 cm in height and width, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and is highly tolerant of drought, frost, wind, and coastal conditions.

From $21.39

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Lomandra Little Pal plants with lush green foliage.
Lomandra Little Pal

Lomandra Little Pal is a compact ornamental grass grown for its fine, green-yellow foliage and tidy, rounded form. Growing to approximately 60 cm in...

From$19.25
Ficinia nodosa (Knobby Club Rush) plants growing in sand and displaying lush, green foliage.
Ficinia nodosa (Knobby Club Rush)

Ficinia nodosa, commonly known as Knobby Club Rush, is a NZ native grass that features stout, mid-green foliage. In cold or exposed climates, the...

From$14.84
Ophiopogon japonicus nana (dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.
Ophiopogon japonicus Nana

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' is a dwarf or mini Mondo Grass grown for its delicate, dark green foliage. Flower spikes are borne in summer and bear...

From$9.95
A large Calamagrostis 'Overdam' grass with elegant, variegated foliage.
Calamagrostis 'Overdam'

Calamagrostis ‘Overdam’ is a striking variegated ornamental grass that delivers elegant upright form and delicate texture to garden borders and...

From$19.95
Carex solandri grass in a NZ native planting.
Carex solandri

Carex solandri is a NZ native, ornamental grass that features attractive, dark green foliage. The foliage emerges upright and develops a gentle and...

From$11.50
Acorus gramineus variegata plants growing in pots with green and cream foliage.
Acorus gramineus variegatus

Acorus gramineus variegatus, commonly known as Variegated Sweet Flag, is an attractive ornamental grass-like plant prized for its elegant green and...

From$12.95
Carex flagellifera Green plant with lush and colourful foliage.
Carex flagellifera Green

Carex flagellifera Green is a NZ native, ornamental grass grown for its attractive foliage. It produces slender and lush, green leaves as it grows to...

From$12.95
Ophiopogon japonicus Silver Mist grass in a garden.
Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' (Silver Mondo Grass)

Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' is a dwarf silver Mondo Grass, and features fine, grass-like foliage that is variegated dark green and white. It typically...

From$6.95
Lomandra 'Katrinus Deluxe' plant with lush, dark green foliage.
Lomandra Katrinus Deluxe

Lomandra Katrinus Deluxe is an evergreen, ornamental grass known for its mid-green, arching foliage and tidy clumping habit. Growing to approximately...

From$17.87
Lomandra Tankia with lush green foliage bordering a path.
Lomandra 'Tanika'

Lomandra Tanika is a hardy, Australian Native grass that is commonly known as Mat Rush. This grass features fine, deep-green foliage and a graceful...

From$10.97
Ophiopogon planiscapus (Mondo Grass) with lush green foliage growing as a ground cover.
Ophiopogon planiscapus

Ophiopogon planiscapus, commonly known as Dwarf Lilyturf, is a Mondo grass grown for its fine, dark green foliage and short stature. The foliage is...

From$6.95
isolepsis-cernua-1
Isolepis cernua (Scirpus cernua)

Isolepis cernua (Fiber Optic Grass) is a distinctive ornamental grass prized for its fine green stems tipped with tiny white flowers that resemble...

From$16.49
Carex dipsacea plants as a mass planting in a garden.
Carex dipsacea (Teasel Sedge)

Carex dipsacea is a fine-leaved, clump-forming sedge native to New Zealand. It features slender, green to bronze-tinted foliage and grows to...

From$12.95
Libertia paniculata plant with white flowers.
Libertia paniculata (Grass Flag)

Libertia paniculata is an elegant evergreen perennial admired for its fine, upright foliage and delicate white flowers that appear in airy clusters...

From$16.50
An elegant Miscanthus sinensis grass with cream-coloured flower plumes and lush green foliage.
Miscanthus sinensis

Miscanthus sinensis is an ornamental grass that grows as a clump of narrow, arching, green leaves. The colouring gives a light silver-green effect to...

From$19.95
Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' grasses as a mass planting and featuring elegant, cream-coloured flower heads as plumes.
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$19.95
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...

From$11.50
Dactylis glomerata plant with a cat.
Dactylis glomerata (Cat Grass)

Dactylis glomerata, commonly known as Cat Grass or Catnip Grass, is a popular grass that is loved by cats. It features flowing, green foliage held as...

From$22.01
Chrysopogon zizanioides grass plants growing alongside a stream.
Chrysopogon zizanioides

Chrysopogon zizanioides (Vetiver Grass) is a hardy, evergreen clump forming grass renowned for its deep root system, attractive upright foliage, and...

From$20.63
Carex buchananii with lush brown foliage growing as a specimen plant in a rock garden.
Carex buchananii (Buchanans Sedge)

Carex buchananii, commonly known as Leatherleaf Sedge, is a striking New Zealand native grass-like plant with delicate, upright, copper-bronze...

From$11.50
Lomandra Green Allure plant with lush, green foliage.
Lomandra Green Allure

Lomandra Green Allure is widely used in landscaping projects across NZ. It is commonly mass planted as a ground cover or on a bank, included in...

From$19.25
Carex 'Frosted Curls' plants with elegant green foliage growing in a pot with other plants.
Carex Frosted Curls

Carex Frosted Curls is an ornamental grass with slender, hair-like, iridescent foliage that shimmers in light breezes. It typically grows to 30 cm...

From$11.50
Sisyrinchium californicum plants with yellow flowers and fine, green foliage.
Sisyrinchium californicum

Sisyrinchium californicum, commonly known as the Golden Eyed Grass, is an herbaceous perennial grown for both its foliage and flowers. It bears...

From$17.25
Lomandra longifolia plant beside a path with lush, green foliage.
Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass)

Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass) is a resilient, evergreen ornamental grass native to Australia. Growing to approximately 60 cm in height and 65 cm...

From$19.25
Lomandra Frosty Tops with lush blue foliage in a garden.
Lomandra Frosty Tops

Lomandra Frosty Tops is a hardy, evergreen grass featuring elegant, blue-grey foliage and a soft, weeping form. Growing to around 50 cm tall and...

From$19.25
Orange foliage on Carex testacea.
Carex testacea

Carex testacea, commonly known as Orange Sedge, is a striking New Zealand native grass admired for its fine, arching foliage that turns a brilliant...

From$12.95
Lomandra Nyalla grass with blue-green foliage in a border planting.
Lomandra Nyalla

Lomandra Nyalla is a hardy ornamental grass featuring delicate, lush green foliage and a graceful, arching form. Reaching approximately 80 cm in...

From$19.25
Cyperus ustulatus growing in water.
Cyperus ustulatus (Giant Umbrella Sedge)

Cyperus ustulatus, commonly known as the Giant Umbrella Sedge, is a large and robust NZ native grass. It grows as a clump and produces dark green...

From$17.25
Carex comans green plants with dense, green foliage in a garden.
Carex comans Green

Carex comans Green is a NZ native, ornamental grass featuring slender and arching, lime green foliage. It grows as a tidy clump to about 40 cm tall...

From$11.50
Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora microphylla, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is a treasured New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful, drooping branches and masses...

From$28.91
Poa cita

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acorus, Calamagrostis, and Carex, or related Categories - Grasses, and Mondo Grass.

Search small tussock grass

Why Choose Small Tussock Grass?

Small tussock grass species are particularly valuable for their durability, drought tolerance, and adaptability to different soil types. Unlike larger tussocks, these compact species fit seamlessly into gardens with limited space or where a lower-growing groundcover is desired. By incorporating small tussock grass, you contribute to stabilising soil, reducing erosion, and supporting local biodiversity.

Top Small Tussock Grass Species for New Zealand Gardens

There’s a wonderful variety of native and ornamental small tussock grass to choose from, each offering unique colours and forms.

Festuca actae (Blue Tussock)

Known for its striking blue foliage, Festuca actae (Blue Tussock) is one of the most popular small tussock grasses in New Zealand gardens. It forms neat, dense mounds typically reaching up to 30cm high, making it ideal for borders, mass plantings, or container displays. Blue Tussock thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, retaining its eye-catching colour even in tough conditions.

Poa cita

Poa cita, commonly known as Silver Tussock, boasts fine, shimmering foliage and a graceful silhouette that blends beautifully with other natives or as a soft foil to flowering perennials. This small tussock grass prefers open, sunny sites and is well-suited for slopes or exposed areas where others may struggle.

Austrostipa stipoides (Spear Grass)

With its distinctive upright seed heads and wiry texture, Austrostipa stipoides (Spear Grass) is both ornamental and resilient. This small tussock grass tolerates wind, salt spray, and poor soils, making it perfect for coastal gardens and exposed sites. Its compact form provides year-round interest and habitat for beneficial insects.

Companion Planting and Landscaping Ideas

Incorporating small tussock grasses such as Chionochloa flavescens (Snow Tussock) or Chionochloa rigida (Snow Tussock) can add contrasting heights, textures, and movement to your design. Pair small species in drifts or mix them with native shrubs to create a cohesive, easy-care landscape that thrives in New Zealand conditions.

Care Tips for Small Tussock Grass

Small tussock grass is generally low maintenance, requiring little more than well-drained soil and occasional grooming to remove old foliage. Most species are drought-tolerant once established and resist common pests or diseases. For best results, plant in groups to mimic natural groupings and enhance visual impact.

Transform your outdoor space with the elegant form and ecological benefits of small tussock grass—perfect for both modern and traditional New Zealand gardens. Explore our wide range of grasses, including Festuca actae (Blue Tussock), Poa cita, Austrostipa stipoides (Spear Grass), Chionochloa flavescens (Snow Tussock), and Chionochloa rigida (Snow Tussock), and bring lasting beauty to your landscape.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Celebrate your favourites like Lomandra Lime Tuff and Cereus tetragonus (Fairy Castle), then branch out with Cherry 'Lapins', Olive 'J5', and Dysoxylum spectabile (New Zealand Mahogany).
–The Plant Company

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