Poa labillardieri
'Eskdale'
This is the largest Poa, which makes it great at out competing weeds. It is one of the most reliable and beautiful plants used on roadsides. Poa labillardieri Eskdale
looks much better in both Summer and Winter than the common form, producing tussocks with much less straw per plant. While other Poa labillardieri look untidy Eskdale looks better for longer. This plant grows in most soil types, sun and shade and will survive in hotter more humid varieties than the common form. This is one of NSW most common roadside plants.
Years ago a breeding program developed a Poa labillardieri that shined above others. Eskdale was selected after a couple of generations of breeding, from a hot dry area. The one plant that resulted from vigorous testing, showed higher drought tolerance, less browning of leaves, a more blue leaf and the ability to look good through the tough Australian Summers, followed by freezing cold winters. This environment made this plant well adaptable for many other locations.
This Poa is drought and frost tolerant. It does well in cold climates such as Canberra, thrives in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide. Must not be used in tropical areas seek assistance before using in QLD.
Whether it is used as an under story, garden plant or a ground
cover, Eskdale performs well. It is more humidity and drought
tolerant and holds it colour better than other varieties. Poa
labillardieri Eskdale is easily the best, low cost roadside or mass
planting plant available. Specialised conditions are required
for areas similar to Brisbane.
Description: A long lived, tussock forming, perennial grass with highly ornamental blue foliage. An Australian native, Poa Eskdale will reach full size within 1 year. Plants need little or no maintenance, thrive in most soils and are drought and frost tolerant.
Position: Grows well in sunny to shaded positions.
Uses: Ideal for gardens, borders, rockeries and erosion control on slopes.
Care: Water well for the first 2-3 months until established. Trim older foliage to 150mm once or twice per year when required. Apply a slow release fertiliser in Spring and Autumn.
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