Themeda Triandra

Kangaroo Grass / Red Grass / Red Oat Grass

Botanical Name: Themeda triandra
Family: Poaceae
Origin: Australia
Plant Type: Strappy grass-like perennial

Overview

Themeda triandra is a standout SA native for movement, colour and low water use. Tidy clumps of arching blades shift from blue-green in warmer months to copper/red tones in the cooler seasons, while bronze, oat-like flower heads dance above the foliage in late spring–summer. Perfect for native meadows, verges and contemporary naturalistic plantings across Adelaide.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.5–1.0 m H (foliage) × 0.4–1.0 m W; to 1.2–1.5 m H in flower
• Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Narrow, arching blades, blue-green to mid-green; fine texture; forms neat tussocks
• Flowers: Bronze/red-tinged, oat-like plumes mainly late spring–summer, ageing to tan; decorative seedheads
  
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen clump effect with cool-season copper/red tints and summer flower wands
• Wildlife Value: Seeds for small/granivorous birds, shelter for insects/lizards; native grasses support local biodiversity
• Tolerance: Drought- and heat-tolerant once established; wind & coastal tolerant; light–moderate frost hardy; copes with poor/rocky or clay loams if drainage is reasonable; dislikes waterlogging
• Planting Density: Meadow/drifts: 3–6 plants per m²; Edges: 2–3 plants per linear metre; Specimens: space 0.8–1.2 m
• Pet Friendly: Yes — generally non-toxic (dry seedheads can be a little scratchy)

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (best colour/flowering); tolerates light part shade
• Soil: Well-drained sandy/loam to improved clay; great on slopes and coastal sands
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 6–8 weeks. Established: deep soak every 14–21 days in summer (more in heatwaves) and rarely in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Shear or cut back hard in late winter to 10–15 cm to refresh; “comb” out old thatch as needed; avoid heavy nitrogen; divide every 4–6 years if clumps thin
• Lifespan: 5–15+ years with periodic renovation
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Slightly acid to mildly alkaline

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Native meadow with lomandra, dianella and kangaroo paw
• Drifts along verges/driveways for low-care movement and colour
• Erosion control on banks/slopes; under light canopy of eucalypts (keep trunks clear)

Why You Will Love It

A beautiful water-wise SA native that brings seasonal copper/red glow and graceful movement with almost no fuss. It thrives in heat and poor soils, feeds local wildlife, and delivers that designer meadow look in Adelaide gardens—without the high maintenance.