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Chionochloa Rigida

Original price $11.95 - Original price $11.95
Original price
$11.95
$11.95 - $11.95
Current price $11.95
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Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped

Chionochloa rigida (Wire/Rigid Tussock)

Common Names: Wire tussock, Rigid tussock, Snow tussock (rigida)

Family: Poaceae (Grasses)

Origin: New Zealand (South Island uplands)

Plant Type: Evergreen perennial tussock grass

Overview:

A tough, fine-textured native tussock forming dense, graceful mounds. Chionochloa rigida thrives in exposed, free-draining sites and brings year-round structure with airy seedheads in late summer to autumn. Ideal for low-care, water-wise, coastal and high-country plantings.

Key Features:

Foliage: Fine, arching blades; olive to blue-green, taking on golden tones in dry/cold conditions

Flowers/Fruit: Open tan-bronze panicles late summer–autumn, held above foliage for movement and texture

Form & Habit: Dense, upright to slightly arching tussock; clean architectural silhouette

Growth Rate: Moderate once established; long-lived

Cultural or Ecological Value: Habitat/cover for invertebrates and lizards; restoration and erosion control

Mature Size:

Attribute

Size

Height (foliage)

0.8–1.2 m

Height (in flower)

up to ~1.4–1.6 m

Spread

0.8–1.0 m

Form

Dense, upright/arching tussock

Ideal Growing Conditions:

Requirement

Detail

Light

Full sun (best colour/flowering); light shade tolerated

Water

Low to moderate once established; drought-tolerant

Soil

Free-draining sands/loams/gravel; avoid boggy/heavy, water-logged sites

pH Range

Slightly acidic to neutral

Frost Tolerance

Very hardy; excellent wind and coastal tolerance

Landscaping & Garden Uses:

Dry, low-maintenance borders and mass planting

Naturalistic/native schemes and restoration

Coastal, windy, and exposed sites

Banking/erosion control and gravel gardens

Contrast with broadleaf natives and flowering perennials

Care & Maintenance:

Pruning: Do not hard-cut; “comb” out old leaves and spent stems in late winter

Watering: Water to establish (first season); minimal thereafter except in extreme drought

Feeding: Usually unnecessary; optional light native-safe slow-release feed in spring if growth lags

Pests & Diseases: Generally trouble-free in open, dry sites; avoid poor drainage

Additional Tips: Dislikes root disturbance—plant and leave

Fun Fact / Botanical Insight:

A characteristic South Island upland tussock that unifies large landscapes with rhythm and movement, bringing seasonal seedhead drama with very low maintenance.

Why Choose Chionochloa rigida?

Exceptionally hardy native for wind, frost, and lean soils; delivers year-round structure with minimal care—ideal for contemporary and naturalistic designs.

Pot Size:

Large 9 cm square pots.

 

Pot Size:

Standard Pot = 7cm Square
Large Pot = 9cm Square
Extra Large Pot =
1.5L Round

Use this guide to see how many plants of your selected pot size fit into a half or full carton.

Standard Pot = 25 plants per Carton
Large Pot= 10 plants per Carton
Extra Large Pot = 5 plants per Carton

Urban- $16.55 per Carton    Rural- $23.85 per Carton 

Standard Pot = 50 plants per Carton
Large Pot= 25 plants per Carton
Extra Large Pot = 10 plants per Carton

Urban- $16.55 per Carton    Rural- $23.85 per Carton

Product Size:

The photo next to the ruler shows an example of the plant for sale (cm's) to give an indication of the size. Please note that the photo is for reference only; the size and appearance of the plant may vary.

Please Note:

Shipping charge applies. Available for immediate dispatch only, while stocks last.