BP1B: name_key = xanthorrhoea-preissii
upc =
name_key = xanthorrhoea-preissii
QUERY = SELECT * FROM upc_36 WHERE name_key = :name_key LIMIT 1
Record found = TRUE

Xanthorrhoea preissii

Western Australian grass tree
Dome of wiry, grasslike leaves slowly gains height as trunk forms. Long-lasting staff-like flowerstalk appears every few years, coated in tiny cream flowers. Hardy, bewitching.
height 3–10ft
width 3–12ft
tolerates Cold, Cool Summers, Drought, Heat, Pots, Neglect, Wind
water
needs		 Low
water
info		 Water this plant infrequently, when the top two inches or so of soil feel dry. Usually this will mean every week or two in dry weather. If you establish this pattern over several years, then you can cut back to watering every four to six weeks in dry weather, or maybe even not at all. Since this plant is from the summer-dry climate of Southwest Australia, it has very similar needs to native California chaparral plants.
This plant also thrives with higher levels of watering, as long as the medium is well-drained.

Use drippers, emitters, or a slow stream of water so that it doesn’t run off; allow the water to trickle all the way down through the deepest layers of soil. This plant will look more lush if given water every two to four weeks during dry weather once established. In a pot slowly water the entire surface until water comes out of the bottom of your pot.
hardy
to		 18F
exposure Part Sun – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix
fertilizing Low Needs, No Phosphorus
origin SW Australia
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 8, 9, 14–H2

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

Growing Notes

Good drainage and low-nutrient (especially low phosphorus) soil are best for this succulent-like plant.
Grassy element looks amazing planted en masse as a filler or singly in a pot. Slow to form a trunk, it eventually becomes an upright specimen, sparsely branching.
Can live on rainfall alone once established, especially in coastal areas.
Viable in bright, dappled shade. Picture a light eucalyptus canopy casting its lacy shadows. But faster and more vigorous with sun.
Subtly serrated leaves can inflict paper cuts: Wear gloves when grooming; break off dead leaves at their base under the green crown.
This plant survives fires in Australia and as such is likely to survive a wildfire here in California. Plant it as part of your fire-resilient garden strategy in the urban interface.

Special Interest

Towering, lance-like flowerstalks are shy to appear but persist long after flowering and add an intriguing, eccentric motif, sometimes leaning or gently zig-zagging in silhouette. Bees love them.

More Info

One of the most sought-after and well-adapted plants for California gardens. It might be your favorite person’s favorite plant.