Xanthorrhoea glauca

Xanthorrhoea glauca: Characteristics and Care

The Xanthorrhoea glauca, popularly known as the grass tree, is an extremely slow-growing plant native to Australia, notable for its fibrous, charred trunk in its natural habitat, crowned by a dense cluster of thin, rigid, grayish-green leaves.

Its age—many specimens are decades or hundreds of years old—and its unique silhouette make it one of the most valuable and rare pieces for designer gardens and botanical collections.

It tolerates extreme drought very well once established and adapts to very poor and sandy soils, provided they have excellent drainage; it is extremely sensitive to overwatering.

At Ornacom, we specialize in the import and commercialization of these unique specimens, guaranteeing their proper acclimatization and handling.

Extended species profile

Verified cultivation data, designed so that any visitor can understand at a glance whether the plant is suitable for their climate and garden.

Crop

Exposure

Full sun

Irrigation

2/5 · low — supplemental irrigation during establishment and drought; allow to partially dry

Soil / moisture

Dry to cool; excellent drainage

Bloom

Summer

Climate

USDA Hardiness

8b–11

Compatible climates

Cfa, Cwa, Csb, Csa

Tolerance to humid climate

3/5 · medium

Maintenance

Development

5/5 · 12–20 m · fast-growing

Pests

3/5 · medium — check for sucking insects, mites, and rot depending on climate and drainage

Pass

ORN-FEEDING 2/5 · low — prioritize soil and organic matter; fertilize in spring only according to analysis and vigor

Warning

Very slow growth; extremely sensitive to root disturbance and to Phytophthora in poorly drained soil.