Botanical name:
Poa billardierei (Austrofestuca littoralis)

Common name(s):

Sand tussock, hinarepe

About:

This particular grass species is commonly found thriving on sandy and rocky sites that are situated near the coast throughout the diverse landscapes of New Zealand. It features fine, pale yellow-green to tawny leaves that contribute to its unique appearance, and it typically forms an upright spiky tussock that can reach heights of about 60cm. This grass is a particularly useful choice for coastal gardens, as it requires a well-drained soil and an open, sunny situation to flourish properly. It is worth noting that it is sometimes misidentified and sold as Poa littorosa, which is actually quite a different species that originates from the subantarctic islands.

Natural habitat:

Coastal dunes; sandy and rocky places near the shore, especially foredunes and dune hollows.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Drought, Wind, Coastal, Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North Island & South Island.

Height: 60cm

Flowering: 

Early summer

Fruiting:

Mid to late summer

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Riparian plantings

How to grow:

Easily grown from seed or division. Collect seed in mid to late summer-autumn. Use fresh seed, sow in free-draining seed-raising mix (50:50 peat:sand), cover lightly with sieved river sand. It should germinate within 2 months. Grow on in open position where they will not be waterlogged. When growing by division collect material in autumn (after flowering has finished) or spring (before new growth appears). Use vigorous pieces from outside of plant and do not make divisions too small. Water regularly until established and new growth appears. Plant out in well-drained soil in open situation.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is complete.