Plant Care Guides / Outdoor & Coastal / Grasses and strappy plants
Indigenous | Easy Care | Grasses and strappy plants
Ngongoni grass is a fine-textured, tufting, evergreen grass that forms dense, arching clumps of narrow, wiry, dark green leaves. It is one of the most widely used indigenous grasses in South African landscaping, valued for its tough, low-maintenance nature and its ability to create a natural, grassland feel in a garden.
In summer, it sends up delicate, feathery seed heads that catch the light beautifully, especially in the low morning and evening sun. It is completely at home in coastal conditions: wind-tolerant, drought-hardy once established, and happy in poor, sandy soil. It works well as a filler between shrubs, a border plant, or massed on a bank for a natural, wild look.
30 to 60 cm tall, including flower heads. Clumps about 30 cm wide.
Moderate.
Mass planting, natural grassland effect, border, bank cover, filler between shrubs, alongside indigenous perennials and aloes.
Full sun to semi-shade.
Any well-drained soil, including poor, sandy and rocky conditions. Thrives in lean soil.
Low once established. Drought-hardy.
None needed. It grows in poor soil and does not benefit from rich feeding.
Cut the clump back hard in late winter, close to the ground, to remove old foliage and allow fresh, clean new growth in spring. This annual cut-back keeps it looking its best.
Ask about availability. WhatsApp us to check what is currently in stock, or visit the nursery and we will help you choose the right plant for your spot.
