Xanthorrhoea

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$13,000.00
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$13,000.00
Regular price
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TO PLANT WITH YOUR Xanthorrhoea

Learn About your new Xanthorrhoeas

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Description

Xanthorrhoea species, iconic to Australia, are known for their extraordinary form - a thick, woody trunk crowned with a dense tuft of grass-like foliage. The common name, Grass Tree, is derived from their grass-like leaves, and their remarkable ability to survive fires. They are not only a striking sculptural element in the landscape but are also of cultural significance to Indigenous Australians.

Common Name: Grass Tree
Mature Height: Depending on the species, can range from 1 to 6 meters in height, with very slow growth rates.
Mature Width: The leaf crown can spread 1-3 meters across.
Spacing: Plant at least 2-3 meters apart from other plants, as they need space to accommodate the spread of their foliage.
Foliage: Long, linear, grass-like leaves that form a skirt around the trunk.
Flowering Period: When mature, they produce a spectacular flower spike that can be up to 2 meters in height, with white to creamy flowers that attract nectar-feeding birds and insects.
Form/Habit: A singular trunk with a tufted head of grass-like foliage. The trunk is often blackened by bushfires, hence the name Blackboy.
Uses: Used as a feature plant in gardens and landscaping, their dramatic appearance is a highlight in native and xeriscape gardens.
Evergreen/Deciduous: Evergreen, providing year-round interest.
Tolerates: Very tolerant of poor soils, drought, and fire.
Drought Hardy: Extremely drought-resistant once established.
Sun: Prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade.
Maintenance: Very low; requires minimal pruning and care once established.

Additional Information

  • Soil Preferences: Thrives in well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils. Avoid soils that retain moisture.
  • Watering Needs: Water sparingly; too much water, especially in poorly drained soils, can lead to root rot.
  • Wildlife Attraction: Flowers attract a host of wildlife, including bees, butterflies, and birds.
  • Propagation: Generally propagated from seed but can be slow and requires patience. Division of clumps is possible but can be difficult and should be done by experts.
  • Pests/Diseases: Resistant to most pests and diseases. Root rot can be a problem if the soil is not well-drained or if overwatered.
  • Landscape Design Tips: Plant as a standalone feature or amongst low-lying shrubs to create a varied height landscape. They can also be used effectively in rockeries.

Planting your Xanthorrhoea

Planting Your Grass Tree:

  1. Select the Right Site: Full sun with excellent drainage is crucial for healthy growth.
  2. Prepare the Soil: Loosen the soil and ensure it is free-draining. Consider raising the planting area to improve drainage if necessary.
  3. Planting: Plant at the same depth it was in the container. Avoid burying the trunk any deeper than it was previously.
  4. Backfill: Use the same soil removed from the hole, no fertilizers are required at planting.
  5. Water Thoroughly: Water in after planting, but ensure not to waterlog the soil.

Caring For Your Xanthorrhoea

Caring For Your Grass Tree:

  1. Watering: Be cautious with watering; overwatering can kill the plant. Once established, rainwater is often enough.
  2. Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. Old foliage can be trimmed to tidy up the plant if desired.
  3. Fertilizing: Generally not required. If necessary, use a slow-release low-phosphorus native plant fertilizer.
  4. Monitoring: Watch for signs of rot at the base which can indicate overwatering. Ensure good air flow around the plant.
  5. Protection: Grass Trees are very hardy but can be affected by extreme frost. Use frost cloth to protect if necessary.

By following these guidelines, your Xanthorrhoea should thrive, adding a uniquely Australian character to your garden for many years, possibly centuries.

Frequently Asked Questions about Xanthorrhoea

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How fast do Grass Trees grow?
A: Growth is extremely slow, often only a few centimeters per year.

Q: When is the best time to plant Grass Trees?
A: Plant in the cooler months, allowing time to establish before the heat of summer.

Q: How much water does my Grass Tree need?
A: Initially, weekly watering is beneficial. Once established, Grass Trees require very little water.

Q: Can I plant Grass Trees in a shaded area?
A: They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade, although growth may be even slower.

Q: When will my Grass Tree flower?
A: Flowering can take many years; some specimens won’t flower until they are at least 20 years old.

Description

Xanthorrhoea species, iconic to Australia, are known for their extraordinary form - a thick, woody trunk crowned with a dense tuft of grass-like foliage. The common name, Grass Tree, is derived from their grass-like leaves, and their remarkable ability to survive fires. They are not only a striking sculptural element in the landscape but are also of cultural significance to Indigenous Australians.

Common Name: Grass Tree
Mature Height: Depending on the species, can range from 1 to 6 meters in height, with very slow growth rates.
Mature Width: The leaf crown can spread 1-3 meters across.
Spacing: Plant at least 2-3 meters apart from other plants, as they need space to accommodate the spread of their foliage.
Foliage: Long, linear, grass-like leaves that form a skirt around the trunk.
Flowering Period: When mature, they produce a spectacular flower spike that can be up to 2 meters in height, with white to creamy flowers that attract nectar-feeding birds and insects.
Form/Habit: A singular trunk with a tufted head of grass-like foliage. The trunk is often blackened by bushfires, hence the name Blackboy.
Uses: Used as a feature plant in gardens and landscaping, their dramatic appearance is a highlight in native and xeriscape gardens.
Evergreen/Deciduous: Evergreen, providing year-round interest.
Tolerates: Very tolerant of poor soils, drought, and fire.
Drought Hardy: Extremely drought-resistant once established.
Sun: Prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade.
Maintenance: Very low; requires minimal pruning and care once established.

Additional Information

  • Soil Preferences: Thrives in well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils. Avoid soils that retain moisture.
  • Watering Needs: Water sparingly; too much water, especially in poorly drained soils, can lead to root rot.
  • Wildlife Attraction: Flowers attract a host of wildlife, including bees, butterflies, and birds.
  • Propagation: Generally propagated from seed but can be slow and requires patience. Division of clumps is possible but can be difficult and should be done by experts.
  • Pests/Diseases: Resistant to most pests and diseases. Root rot can be a problem if the soil is not well-drained or if overwatered.
  • Landscape Design Tips: Plant as a standalone feature or amongst low-lying shrubs to create a varied height landscape. They can also be used effectively in rockeries.

Planting your Xanthorrhoea

Planting Your Grass Tree:

  1. Select the Right Site: Full sun with excellent drainage is crucial for healthy growth.
  2. Prepare the Soil: Loosen the soil and ensure it is free-draining. Consider raising the planting area to improve drainage if necessary.
  3. Planting: Plant at the same depth it was in the container. Avoid burying the trunk any deeper than it was previously.
  4. Backfill: Use the same soil removed from the hole, no fertilizers are required at planting.
  5. Water Thoroughly: Water in after planting, but ensure not to waterlog the soil.

Caring For Your Xanthorrhoea

Caring For Your Grass Tree:

  1. Watering: Be cautious with watering; overwatering can kill the plant. Once established, rainwater is often enough.
  2. Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. Old foliage can be trimmed to tidy up the plant if desired.
  3. Fertilizing: Generally not required. If necessary, use a slow-release low-phosphorus native plant fertilizer.
  4. Monitoring: Watch for signs of rot at the base which can indicate overwatering. Ensure good air flow around the plant.
  5. Protection: Grass Trees are very hardy but can be affected by extreme frost. Use frost cloth to protect if necessary.

By following these guidelines, your Xanthorrhoea should thrive, adding a uniquely Australian character to your garden for many years, possibly centuries.

Frequently Asked Questions about Xanthorrhoea

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How fast do Grass Trees grow?
A: Growth is extremely slow, often only a few centimeters per year.

Q: When is the best time to plant Grass Trees?
A: Plant in the cooler months, allowing time to establish before the heat of summer.

Q: How much water does my Grass Tree need?
A: Initially, weekly watering is beneficial. Once established, Grass Trees require very little water.

Q: Can I plant Grass Trees in a shaded area?
A: They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade, although growth may be even slower.

Q: When will my Grass Tree flower?
A: Flowering can take many years; some specimens won’t flower until they are at least 20 years old.

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Angus Beckingsdale  / Owner Gus Beckingsdale Landscape

Huge selection of quality trees, bought two mature olives which took the garden we have been constructing from blank canvas to established garden instantly

Buxton Projects  / Buxto

Thank you for the wonderful trees! Evergreen were professional and easy to deal with Communication was a breeze from start to finish. We were verv happy to receive the beautiful waterhousea. They have aesthetically added to our project!

Luke  / Owner Luke Marshall Landscaping

Really great range and very helpful team. I recently bought a large crepe myrtle and I was really pleased with both the size and the quality of the tree. By far the best value feature trees I've seen.