Johnson’s Grass Tree

Xanthorrhoea johnsonii

Steel Grass

Xanthorrhoea johnsonii is a unique, architectural, very slow growing plant which can take many decades to reach full maturity. These are very long-lived plants with a black trunk and fine grass-like arching foliage. Xanthorrhoea johnsonii will occasionally produce a long flower spike which can reach up to 3 metres in length. Small white flowers appear along the stalk in Spring and Summer and are bee and bird attracting. Will tolerate coastal locations and strong winds, though for best results it should be grown in a sunny spot. Best used in native gardens, general landscaping, rockeries, pots, mass planting or as a feature plant, on embankments.

Xanthorrhoea johnsonii have very sensitive roots when repotting, so make sure the root ball is left undisturbed. If replanting into a pot make sure to use Australian Native Potting Mix. Avoid planting into waterlogged areas, they require well-draining soils. This plant has very low water requirements, avoid overwatering as the plant is quite sensitive to too much moisture. If you do plan to relocate this plant into heavy soil, make sure to try and build a good bed with lots of drainage for it.

Position: Full sun

Height: Up to 4m (Can take hundreds of years to reach this size)

Width: Up to 2m (Can take hundreds of years to reach this size

Watering Requirements: Low

Soil Quality: Well drained

Garden Uses:

• Native Gardens

• Feature Plant

• Potted Displays