Poa labillardierei
Poa labillardierei · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant poa labillardierei: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Labillardière's Bluegrass, Labillardière's Fescue
- Family
- Poaceae (Grasses)
- Foliage
- Evergreen, fine and tender
- Flowering
- Spring to early summer (September-November in southern hemisphere)
- Mature size
- 0.3 to 0.6 m in height
- Growth rate
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Moderate, prefers temperate to cool climates
- Origin
- Australia (Tasmania and south-eastern Australia)
Care
Sunlight
Poa labillardierei appreciates full sun to partial shade. It tolerates semi-shaded areas well but flowers more generously in full light. Avoid overly hot and dry exposures in Mediterranean climates.
Watering
Keep the soil moist but well-drained, especially during active growth. In summer, water regularly without creating waterlogging. Reduce watering in winter. This grass appreciates moderate air humidity.
Soil
Choose well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Poa labillardierei adapts to poor to moderately fertile soils. Improve drainage in heavy soils by adding sand or gravel.
Fertilizing
A light application of balanced fertilizer in spring is generally sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would promote overly soft foliage. In containers, a moderate quarterly application is recommended.
Pruning and cleanup
Remove dead or damaged foliage in spring. Light tidying after flowering maintains a compact appearance. Pruning is not essential; this grass remains naturally elegant.
Diseases and pests
Poa labillardierei is generally robust and rarely affected by pests. Excess stagnant moisture can promote root rot or fungal issues. Ensure good drainage and adequate air circulation to prevent these problems.
Did you know?
Poa labillardierei is named after French botanist Jean-Baptiste Labillardière, an explorer of the Pacific in the 18th century. This small grass, discovered in Australia, symbolizes the botanical exchanges between Europe and Oceania, an era when each new plant enriched European gardens with exotic charm.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Tufted hair grassDeschampsia cespitosa
- Wavy hair-grassAvenella flexuosa
- Purple moor-grassMolinia caerulea
- Reed canary-grassPhalaris arundinacea
- Common quaking grassBriza media
- Creeping soft-grassHolcus mollis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.