Chionochloa rubra (Red Tussock Grass)

A New Zealand native, Chionochloa rubra (Red Tussock Grass) is a graceful evergreen perennial grass that forms a dense tussock of elegantly arching, red-tinted to coppery-red, slender leaves. In summer, its lightly weeping stems bear attractive, lax panicles of small, awned spikelets which remain for many weeks. In winter, the leaves turn beige at their tips, with coppery tones at their bases, adding bristling color to the dull winter landscape. Gorgeous and tough as nails, Chionochloa rubra is a very easy perennial to grow.

• The beautiful arching lines of Red Tussock Grass help create magnificent and elegantly mobile combinations in the landscape. Highly versatile, it is perfect for borders where this grass will easily combine with other plants, cottage gardens, or prairie plantings.
• Won the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• Growing easily in an open mound about 4 ft. tall and wide (120 cm), it enjoys full sun to part shade in moist, light, fertile, well-drained soils. Needs only occasional watering during dry weather. Drought and wet soils tolerant. Will not tolerate excessive winter wetness.
• Red Tussock Grass is pest-free, disease free, requires very little care, and provides year-round interest.
• Cut back old, flowered stems at the bases in early winter.