Best Native Grasses for Brisbane Gardens
Native grasses are an excellent addition to backyard gardens in South-East Queensland, providing texture, movement, and year-round interest while supporting local biodiversity. Unlike traditional turf grasses, native grasses require less maintenance, tolerate harsh conditions, and provide habitat for insects, birds, and small wildlife.
Whether you're creating a naturalistic landscape, a drought-tolerant garden, or a habitat-friendly space, native grasses offer aesthetic and ecological benefits. Some native grasses can be mown and maintained like regular turf, while some will suit mass planting in garden beds or under trees.
Native grasses look fantastic in a naturalistic-style garden partnered with other native shrubs and trees.
Why Native Grasses Are a Great Choice
Native grasses are increasingly popular for backyard gardens due to their resilience and minimal upkeep. Their key advantages include:
Low maintenance – Require less mowing, watering, and fertilising than conventional lawns.
Drought tolerance – Thrive in dry conditions, making them ideal for water-wise gardens.
Wildlife support – Provide food and shelter for native birds, butterflies, and pollinators.
Aesthetic appeal – Create soft, flowing textures and seasonal interest in gardens.
Erosion control – Deep-rooted species help stabilise soil and prevent erosion.
Choosing the Right Native Grasses for Your Backyard
Several native grass species are well-suited to South-East Queensland’s climate and soil types. Make sure to check with your local nursery to select a native grass species that suits your garden design and goals. Here are some of our favourite choices for gardens in South-East Queensland.
For Low-Maintenance Lawn Alternatives
Liriope muscari ‘Isabella’ – A hardy, clumping grass with deep green foliage, suitable for shaded and sunny areas.
Microlaena stipoides (Weeping Grass) – Forms a dense, fine-leaved lawn alternative, staying green year-round with some moisture.
Zoysia macrantha (Native Zoysia) – A slow-growing, hardy ground cover suitable for coastal and dry areas.
For Ornamental Borders and Feature Planting
Themeda triandra (Kangaroo Grass) – A soft, tufted grass with reddish seed heads, ideal for adding colour and movement.
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Nafray’ (Native Fountain Grass) – A clumping grass with arching seed heads, perfect for feature planting.
Poa labillardieri (Tussock Grass) – A lush, blue-green grass that forms attractive mounds and is excellent for mass planting.
Lomandra longifolia (Mat Rush) – A versatile, strappy-leaved grass that thrives in both sun and shade.
Austrostipa ramosissima (Tall Spear Grass) – A fine-leaved, arching grass with delicate seed heads that add movement to gardens.
For Habitat and Biodiversity Gardens
Eragrostis brownii (Brown Lovegrass) – A fine-textured, drought-tolerant grass often used in native revegetation.
Dichanthium sericeum (Queensland Bluegrass) – A hardy grass commonly used by landscapers in Northern NSW for its resilience and soft appearance.
Aristida purpurea (Purple Wiregrass) – Features striking purple seed heads and attracts native insects.
Chloris truncata (Windmill Grass) – A compact, drought-tolerant grass with unique star-like seed heads.
Cymbopogon refractus (Native Lemon Grass) – Adds fragrance to gardens and provides food for native butterflies.
How to Plant and Manage Native Grasses
Establishment
To successfully establish native grasses in your backyard:
Site Selection – Choose a sunny or semi-shaded spot with well-drained soil.
Planting – Space clumping grasses 30–50cm apart to allow for natural spreading.
Mulching – Apply organic mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Protection - Newly planted native grasses are susceptible to browse from kangaross, rabbits and livestock. Try using a plastic or cardboard tree guard (commonly use in ecoloigcal restoration projects) if you are concerned about animal browsing destroying your native grasses.
Ongoing Maintenance
Pruning – Trim back dead foliage in late winter to encourage fresh spring growth. Many people complain that native grasses develop a build-up of dead brown foliage and start too look messy after a couple of years. Periodic pruning or mowing will be your best friend here.
Watering – Most species require little watering once established, except during extended dry periods.
Fertilising – Apply a light dressing of native plant fertiliser in spring for healthy growth. If the plants are looking healthy (strong vigourous growth and good colour) then you can probably skip the fertiliser for your native grasses. Maintaining a thick layer of mulch will probably provide all soil conditioning your native grass needs to thrive.
Common Issues with Native Grasses
Overgrowth and Thatch Build-Up
Some species, like Lomandra, can accumulate dead foliage. Occasional trimming keeps plants tidy and prevents thatch build-up.
Weed Competition
Young grasses can be susceptible to weed invasion. Regular weeding and mulching help native species establish dominance. Higher planting density (plants planted closer together and at high density) will help to suppress weed growth.
Seed Dispersal
Certain native grasses self-seed readily, which may lead to spreading beyond intended areas. Regular monitoring and removal of unwanted seedlings can help manage this. If self-seeding is a concern, talk to your local nursery about varieties which are sterile or low-risk when it comes to self-seeding.
Integrating Native Grasses into Your Landscape
Native grasses are highly versatile and can be used in various garden designs, including:
Meadow-style plantings – Mix different species for a wild, naturalistic look.
Pathway borders – Use clumping grasses to soften garden paths and edges.
Feature gardens – Combine with flowering natives like Grevilleas and Banksias for contrast.
Rain gardens and swales – Ideal for filtering water and stabilising low-lying areas.
If you’re considering adding native grasses to your backyard and need expert advice on selection, planting, or maintenance, Cambium Land Management can help. Contact us to discuss how native grasses can enhance your landscape.
