Blue Grass

Although grasses are fashionable in gardening circles at the moment, many of them really don't perform very well. A notable exception is a gorgeous new blue coloured Australian native grass. It is called Mingo, which is claimed to be the aboriginal name for kangaroo grass.

Plant details

Common name: Mingo Grass

Botanic name: Themeda australis var. Mingo

Description: Tussock-forming Australian native grass with lush blue foliage, 75-100mm (3-4") tall.

Best climate: Mingo grass will grow in most areas of Australia, including mountain zones below the snow line.

Best look:

groundcover mixed among rocks native garden

Good points:

pretty blue leaves low maintenance less spindly and thin than many other grasses sterile, so it won't cause environmental problems

Downside:

not readily available as yet

Getting started:

Mingo may be hard to find - try your local native nursery or turf supplier. It is currently unavailable in the Northern Territory, but Abulk Pty Ltd will supply it mail order. Phone: (02) 4577 5912. Expect to pay $1.50 each for viro-tubes, and $7-$8 for a 150mm (6") pot.

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