Tussock Grass Plant Care
Poa flabellata Raspail
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Poa flabellata, commonly known as tussac grass or just tussac, is a tussock grass native to Patagonia, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and other islands in the South Atlantic. There are also two isolated records from the herbarium at the French Muséum national d'histoire naturelle for the Île Amsterdam in the Indian Ocean.
Every 3–7 days
Full sun to part shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Tussock Grass?
Water Tussock Grass every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity.
What Is the Tussock Grass?
Tussock Grass (Poa flabellata) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Poa genus. Tussock Grass is native to Patagonia, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and other islands in the South Atlantic. Tussock Grass is also known as Blue Tussock Grass.
Tussock Grass displays a grass-like perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Tussock Grass produces small inconspicuous flowers in clustered spikelets.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tussock Grass?
Poa flabellata requires watering every 3–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Tussock Grass Need?
Tussock Grass thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tussock Grass Prefer?
Poa flabellata grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Tussock Grass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tussock Grass?
Well-draining loamy soil with good fertility. Good drainage is essential for Tussock Grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Tussock Grass?
Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Tussock Grass?
Tussock Grass can be propagated through division, seed. Similar propagation techniques also apply to grove bluegrass plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Tussock Grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Tussock Grass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Tussock Grass?
Tussock Grass is susceptible to aphids, cutworms, grasshoppers. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Tussock Grass Need?
Tussock Grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Tussock Grass is native to Patagonia, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and other islands in the South Atlantic. In cooler regions, grow Tussock Grass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Tussock Grass is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Poa genus — compare its care with other Poa species on PlantoScan.
Poa is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Tussock Grass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Poa Species
Other Poa species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Poa flabellata Raspail, family Poaceae (first published in Ann. Sci. Observ. 2: 76, 78 (1829)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tussock Grass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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