Dwarf Tussock Grass

Despite the ‘dwarf’ in its common name, Chionochloa flavicans makes quite an imposing tussock of dense, gracefully arching, narrow, evergreen leaves, giving good perennial winter structure in the smaller garden. In summer, beautiful, feathery spikelets (flower plumes) appear on elegant, arching stems held high above the leaves, reaching up to 5’/1.5m. Pale jade green at first, the plumes turn a beautiful soft buff-cream, and persist into the winter. With its lovely arching shape, dwarf tussock grass also looks well in a container. It will not tolerate waterlogging.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any well-drained soil, dry soils preferred
Position: Best in full sun
Season of interest: All year, summer and autumn in particular
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 39” (1m) Spread: 39” (1m)

Photo by Grapeman4 and licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.