Chionochloa rubra

Also Known As

Red Tussock Grass

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

H: 3'-5'
W: 2'-3'

planting zones

8a-10b

More Options

Chionochloa rubra plant details

Chionochloa rubra is an evergreen perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with bronze, green and red foliage. In fall and summer pink and tan flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun and regular water. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Chionochloa rubra

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: poaceae
Foliage: evergreen bronze, green and red
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 3 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: pink and tan blooms in fall and summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Chionochloa rubra

USDA Zones: 8a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Lovely, dense tussock grass from New Zealand, to 3-5 ft tall, with long, lax evergreen leaves and an over all reddish cast making a fine textured presence. Best in sun with adequate summer water and at least decent drainage. Tolerates periods of drought in cool coastal conditions, less so inland. Frost hardy in USDA zone 8.

By: Cistus Nursery

For the discriminating gardener who prizes subtlety, he need look no further than Chionchloa rubra. Boasting a most unusual shade of copper, the fine blades of this upright mounding grass dazzle with their understated beauty. Not quite the bold coppery-brown of the red sedges, this grass combines warm tawny shades with just enough dusky blush to give it a distinctive appearance. In summer, large silky inflorescences rise to 5' to crown this Native Sons favorite. Plant in full sun in well-drained soils and provide moderate water. Hardy to 10F. New Zealand.

By: Native Sons

Said to be the "Best of the big grasses", this very beautiful grass grows 3'-4' tall. Masses of densely borne, stunningly arching, leaves glow and shimmer with the sun, and ripple in the wind creating flowers in early summer, and the attractive seed heads remain for many weeks. Lots of impact! Plus, it's extremely TOUGH, takes a lot of abuse, adaptable to dry or wet soil, and stays good looking for years.