The Grass Tree, Xanthorrhoea, is an iconic Australian plant growing locally and all-around Australia. Famous for its distinctive black trunk and magnificent crown of ‘grassy’ leaf strands. When the Grass Tree decides to flower it will send up a tall central spike topped with masses of small white flower buds which open like popcorn, attracting both birds and bees.

Grass Trees are extremely slow growing. From seed it may take up to 20 years to form a trunk. From there it is estimated the trunk will grow 1-2 cm every year. When purchasing your Grass Tree, especially a tall one, you might well become the proud owner of a 100 years old specimen!

Xanthorrhoea is a protected species. Harvesting from the bush must be done under licence. The Trees are tagged with a registration code.

What does Xanthorrhoea like?

It is one tough plant, able to withstand drought, frost and even the intense Australian bushfires (which encourage flower development).

Regular rainfall or moderate watering are needed for good plant health and growth.

It likes full sun - at least half a day - but it can handle some dappled shade.

Free draining, slightly acid soil - either a raised garden bed, rockery pocket or large pot is essential. It hates being waterlogged or grown in poor-draining, heavy soils.

No root disturbance, especially when planting. Because of its unique and fleshy root system, aim to retain as much original pot soil as possible. This is because the roots of the Grass Tree have a symbiotic relationship with microbes in the soil called mycorrhiza, which help it grow.

Planting Your Xanthorrhoea

Planting in the ground: When you plant a Xanthorrhoea, choose a sunny position in very free draining soil. If you have the shallow topsoil typical of this region, the best option is to choose or create a raised bed using rocks, sleepers, etc.

For the basics of planting into the ground, see our leaflet “Planting Your New Tree”.

Now two options:

1. Plant pot and all! Cut the base out of the pot it came in, to allow the roots to grow downwards, and carefully add some large holes around the walls of that pot to allow roots to grow out sideways. Finally, once you have lowered the grass tree into the ground cut the lip of the pot off. This option avoids disturbance of the roots and microbes. Fill the hole with a mix of soil and Compost and water in with Seasol, and Earth All Purpose Fertiliser.

2. Plant the Grass Tree directly into the ground. Be careful to keep as much soil as possible from the roots intact and try not to disturb or damage them.

Planting in a pot: Transplant into a large feature pot and follow one of the two options given above. Fill up with Native Potting Mix or a mix of Native Potting Mix 50% and garden soil 50%. Please make sure there are drainage holes in the pot.

Special tips

Xanthorrhoea like a little pure Chicken Manure once a year, a small handful sprinkled around the base as a supplement - a tip from one of our suppliers. Also give a regular light feed of Healthy Earth All Purpose Fertiliser.

Dissolve a cup of brown sugar in a 9L water bucket or watering can and water the grass tree with it once a month for approximately two years while it is establishing it in its new spot or pot. The mycorrhiza microbes feed on the sugar, which helps the tree to thrive.