Grass trees

Xanthorrhoea australis, Xanthorrhoea glauca, Xanthorrhoea pressii, Xanthorrhoea johnsonii

Description:

This plant, from the deserts of Australia, is extremely slow growing. Mature plants can feature a 1.2m flower spike made up of hundreds of tiny flowers with bird attracting sweet nectar. Very popular overseas, it featured in the gold winning Australian Garden designed by Jamie Durie at the Chelsea Flower Show 2008.

Habit:

Tall and often blackened trunks get to 1.5m after 40 years, each trunk supports a head of grass about 1m in diameter.

Conditions:

Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny sheltered position.

Special Comments:

It is often suggested to plant the tree plastic pot and all for the best results. Grass trees grow best in pots. Use a specific soil mix for native plants to give your grass tree a good head start. Plants can range in price from $50 for one without a trunk to thousands for a larger, multi-trunked specimen. Check the label that it has been selected and grown legally. Feed with a specialised native plant fertiliser.

Photo: The Australian Garden, Cranbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne (Graham Ross), Ice on London Grass Tree (Kent Ross)