Overview
Chionochloa rigida is a grass in the genus Chionochloa, part of the Poaceae family. It is native to New Zealand.
About the genus
Chionochloa is a genus of tussock grass in the family Poaceae, found primarily in New Zealand with one known species in New Guinea and another on Lord Howe Island. Some of the species are referred to as snowgrass or snow tussock.
Wikipedia contributors, "Chionochloa", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Chionochloa
In the garden
Chionochloa rigida is a tussock grass in the genus Chionochloa, recognised in English as snow tussock and by the Māori name wī kura. It originates from New Zealand and presents as a clump-forming grass with narrow leaves; it flowers between August and October. Use its botanical identity when sourcing to ensure you obtain the true species. Treat it as a clump-forming grass when planting: allow space for the tussock to develop and avoid crowding with vigorous competitors. Occasional removal of dead or tattered foliage helps maintain a clean outline; propagation is typically by division of established clumps rather than seed if you need to increase plants quickly. In UK gardens place it where a grass clump can read as a distinct element within a scheme — in larger borders, naturalistic drifts or grass-led plantings where its form is appreciated. Expect the flowering season to run from August to October, when the plant produces its seasonal flower display within the clump structure.
Plant details
Chionochloa rigida size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass
- Native to
- New Zealand
From the Fenn Plants journal
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- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
