Botanical name:

Microlaena avenacea

Common name(s):

Bush rice grass, oat grass

About:

Attractive blue-green tussock grass, native to New Zealand, features striking sword-like leaves that droop gracefully and elegant, arching flower stems that add to its charm. This versatile plant serves as a good understory or ground cover option, particularly in shady sites where it can thrive and enhance the landscape.

Natural habitat:

Because of its vulnerability to drought, bush rice grass is mainly found in the shade of the bush, especially at higher altitudes or stream sides where the air is moist.

Growing environment:

Frost & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand

Height: 0.7m

Uses:

Forests & Ground cover.

How to grow:

Strip the seed off the flower heads and press into a firm bed of seed raising mix and lightly cover with mix, pumice or vermiculture. Seedlings begin to appear in later winter or early spring - do not let them dry out.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though