Overview

Poa labillardierei is a bushy grass like in the genus Poa, part of the Poaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Poa labillardierei grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens.

About

Poa labillardierei, also known as common tussock-grass, is a species of tussock grass that is endemic to Australia. It is found in southern and eastern Australia, including Tasmania. There are differing variations, Poa labillardierei var. acris Vickery and Poa labillardierei var. labillardierei. The species was formally described in 1854 by German botanist and physician Ernst Gottlieb von Steudel in Synopsis Plantarum Glumacearum. It grows to around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying semi evergreen foliage. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. It tolerates neutral soils, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Poa labillardierei

About the genus

Poa is a genus of about 570 species of grasses, native to the temperate regions of both hemispheres. Common names include meadow-grass, bluegrass, tussock, and speargrass. Poa is Greek for 'fodder'.

Wikipedia contributors, "Poa", CC BY-SA 4.0Poa

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
H7

Plant details

Poa labillardierei size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Grass Like
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Poa labillardierei

Propagation
Seed
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Poa labillardierei?

Poa labillardierei prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Poa labillardierei need?

Poa labillardierei 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.

How big does Poa labillardierei grow?

Poa labillardierei reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.

Is Poa labillardierei hardy in the UK?

Poa labillardierei has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Poa labillardierei?

Seed.

More in the Poa genus

Browse all Poa

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