Care of the tree Xanthorrhoea glauca or Grass tree |
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The genus Xanthorrhoea, family Asphodelaceae, comprises 30 species of arborescent plants native to Australia. Some species are: Xanthorrhoea glauca, Xanthorrhoea minor, Xanthorrhoea johnsonii, Xanthorrhoea resinosa, Xanthorrhoea australis, Xanthorrhoea arborea. Common name: Grass tree. This species is native to eastern Australia. They are curious and elegant plants with thick stem that reach 4 meters (13.12 feet) in height when they bloom. The leaves are thin and long (1 meter/3.28 feet in length) and appear in large arched tufts. They produce spectacular 3 meters (9.84 feet) tall flower stalks filled with tiny cream-colored scented flowers that attract bees and butterflies. They bloom in spring. They are used in rockeries, as isolated specimens, in small groups, on slopes and in pots for patios and terraces. Xanthorrhoea glauca prefers full sun exposure but can grow in semi-shade. They resist light and occasional frosts. They can grow in any well-drained soil; they tend to grow on sandy and stony soils. Water moderately at the rate of once a week in spring and autumn, every 5 days in summer and every 15 days in winter if it rains little. Prune withered inflorescences. They do not need fertilizers. They are plants quite resistant to pests and diseases; sometimes they can be attacked by mealybugs. They are propagated from the seeds sown in a sandy and slightly humid substrate; they can take several months to germinate. |
Images of the tree Xanthorrhoea glauca or Grass tree |
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