Indigenous grasses: summer blooms for your garden

When you think of flowers in late summer, grasses probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. But Melbourne’s locally native (indigenous) grasses put on a beautiful show at this time of year, with delicate flowers that shimmer in the sunlight and attract all kinds of native wildlife. These grasses aren’t just great for biodiversity – they’re also hardy, low-maintenance, and a perfect choice for suburban gardens.

Summer flowering natives

Many of Melbourne’s indigenous grasses flower in summer, adding a subtle beauty to the landscape. One of the most striking is Kangaroo grass (Themeda triandra), with its reddish-brown flower heads that sway in the breeze. It’s one of Australia’s most widespread native grasses and a key part of the grassy woodlands that once covered much of Victoria.

Another summer-flowering winner are the wallaby grasses (Rytidosperma spp.), which produce soft, silvery flower heads that catch the light beautifully. Spear grasses (Austrostipa spp.) are also in bloom, their feathery seed heads giving a wispy, delicate texture to the garden.

Why plant native grasses?

Apart from looking great, indigenous grasses are a fantastic addition to any garden because they support local ecosystems. Their flowers provide food for native butterflies, bees, and other insects, which in turn help pollinate other plants. Birds also love them, using the seed for food and the dense tussocks for shelter.

Native grasses are also incredibly tough. They’ve evolved to handle Melbourne’s dry summers and unpredictable weather, making them a sustainable choice that doesn’t need much water or care. Unlike exotic lawn grasses, which often require regular mowing and fertilising, indigenous grasses thrive with minimal intervention.

How to use them in your garden

There are plenty of ways to incorporate native grasses into a suburban garden. You can plant them in clumps for a natural, meadow-like effect, mix them with wildflowers, or use them (particularly Weeping grass – Microlaena stipoides) as an alternative to a traditional lawn that can cope with less water than many common turf options and grow better in part shade. Many indigenous grasses also work well in rockeries, around trees, or as borders along pathways.

If you want a garden that looks good year-round, helps local wildlife, and requires little effort to maintain, our local indigenous grasses are a brilliant choice.

Words and photos by Jen Willis.