Grass Tree (Xanthorrhoea)
Xanthorrhoea – Grass Tree: Australia’s Living SculptureAdd a touch of ancient beauty with the Xanthorrhoea, or Grass Tree, a slow-growing Australian icon that’s half succulent, half legend. This perennial marvel forms a tuft of long, needle-like green to bluish leaves, growing 2-6 feet tall atop a rugged, woody trunk that may take decades to emerge, reaching 1-10 feet in mature specimens. In spring or after fire, it sends up a dramatic flower spike—up to 8 feet tall—bursting with creamy white blossoms that hum with bees and birds.
Care Basics:
• Sun: Full sun is its fuel—6+ hours daily keeps it lush and blooming. Tolerates light shade but grows slower.
• Water: Drought-hardy—water deeply every 3-4 weeks in summer, letting soil dry out completely. In winter, skip watering unless parched.
• Soil: Needs well-drained, sandy or loamy soil—avoid heavy clay to keep its roots rot-free.
Perfect for xeriscapes, rock gardens, or statement pots, the Grass Tree thrives in USDA zones 9-11, handling dry cold to 20°F (-6°C)—protect from wet freezes. Its resinous trunk and leaves are fire-resistant, making it a survivor in tough conditions. Non-toxic, but keep pets from chewing leaves; place away from paths to avoid brushing its wiry foliage.
Xanthorrhoea – Grass Tree: Australia’s Living SculptureAdd a touch of ancient beauty with the Xanthorrhoea, or Grass Tree, a slow-growing Australian icon that’s half succulent, half legend. This perennial marvel forms a tuft of long, needle-like green to bluish leaves, growing 2-6 feet tall atop a rugged, woody trunk that may take decades to emerge, reaching 1-10 feet in mature specimens. In spring or after fire, it sends up a dramatic flower spike—up to 8 feet tall—bursting with creamy white blossoms that hum with bees and birds.
Care Basics:
• Sun: Full sun is its fuel—6+ hours daily keeps it lush and blooming. Tolerates light shade but grows slower.
• Water: Drought-hardy—water deeply every 3-4 weeks in summer, letting soil dry out completely. In winter, skip watering unless parched.
• Soil: Needs well-drained, sandy or loamy soil—avoid heavy clay to keep its roots rot-free.
Perfect for xeriscapes, rock gardens, or statement pots, the Grass Tree thrives in USDA zones 9-11, handling dry cold to 20°F (-6°C)—protect from wet freezes. Its resinous trunk and leaves are fire-resistant, making it a survivor in tough conditions. Non-toxic, but keep pets from chewing leaves; place away from paths to avoid brushing its wiry foliage.
Xanthorrhoea – Grass Tree: Australia’s Living SculptureAdd a touch of ancient beauty with the Xanthorrhoea, or Grass Tree, a slow-growing Australian icon that’s half succulent, half legend. This perennial marvel forms a tuft of long, needle-like green to bluish leaves, growing 2-6 feet tall atop a rugged, woody trunk that may take decades to emerge, reaching 1-10 feet in mature specimens. In spring or after fire, it sends up a dramatic flower spike—up to 8 feet tall—bursting with creamy white blossoms that hum with bees and birds.
Care Basics:
• Sun: Full sun is its fuel—6+ hours daily keeps it lush and blooming. Tolerates light shade but grows slower.
• Water: Drought-hardy—water deeply every 3-4 weeks in summer, letting soil dry out completely. In winter, skip watering unless parched.
• Soil: Needs well-drained, sandy or loamy soil—avoid heavy clay to keep its roots rot-free.
Perfect for xeriscapes, rock gardens, or statement pots, the Grass Tree thrives in USDA zones 9-11, handling dry cold to 20°F (-6°C)—protect from wet freezes. Its resinous trunk and leaves are fire-resistant, making it a survivor in tough conditions. Non-toxic, but keep pets from chewing leaves; place away from paths to avoid brushing its wiry foliage.
