Overview
Poa cita is a bushy grass like in the genus Poa, part of the Poaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Poa cita grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden and prairie planting.
About
Poa cita was described and named by Elizabeth Edgar in 1986, having previously being named Poa caespitosa. It is found throughout most of New Zealand, from the Kermadec Islands to Stewart Island / Rakiura and out to the Chatham Islands, but not known from Raglan to Manawatū in the west of the North Island, except on Mount Taranaki. It grows to 0.3–1.0 metres tall, and sometimes hangs as much as 2 metres long down steep banks. It has very fine, narrow leaves, usually 1–1.5 millimetres and up to 2.5 millimetres wide. In the wild it grows across Chatham Is., Kermadec Is., New Zealand North and New Zealand South. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy through an average UK winter (RHS H4). It works well for city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden and prairie planting. It tolerates neutral soils, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Poa cita
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Poa
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Poa cita size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Prairie planting
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Poa cita
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or by division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Rust can be a problem
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Poa cita?
Poa cita prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Poa cita need?
Poa cita is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Poa cita hardy in the UK?
Poa cita has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Poa cita?
Propagate by seed or by division in spring.
More in the Poa genus
- Poa alpinaalpine meadow grass
- Poa chaixiibroad-leaved meadow grass
- Poa colensoi
- Poa labillardiereiNew Zealand blue grass
- Poa nemoraliswood meadow grass
- Poa palustrisswamp meadow grass
- Poa pratensissmooth meadow grass
- Poa pratensis 'Borsala'PBR