Desert Poa: A Rare New Zealand Native Grass Worth Knowing
Meet Poa maniototo, commonly known as desert poa – a distinctive tussock grass that calls the remote Maniototo region of New Zealand’s South Island home. This hardy little grass might not be the showiest plant in your garden center, but it has a charm all its own and some interesting qualities that make it worth considering for the right gardener.
What Makes Desert Poa Special?
Desert poa is what botanists call an endemic species – it exists naturally nowhere else on Earth except in its native Maniototo region. This blue-green to gray-green grass forms compact tussocks and has adapted to some pretty tough conditions in its homeland, including cold winters, hot dry summers, and intense UV radiation at high altitudes.
As a member of the Poaceae family (the true grasses), desert poa shares characteristics with lawn grasses, but don’t expect it to carpet your yard. Instead, think of it as nature’s sculpture – each plant forms its own distinct clump with fine, needle-like leaves that catch light beautifully.
Where Desert Poa Comes From
This grass is native to the Maniototo Plains and surrounding areas in New Zealand’s South Island, where it grows in tussock grasslands and rocky areas. The region experiences a continental climate with cold winters and relatively dry conditions – quite different from the lush, green image many people have of New Zealand.
Should You Grow Desert Poa?
Here’s the honest truth: desert poa isn’t for everyone, and that’s perfectly okay! Here are some things to consider:
You Might Love Desert Poa If:
- You collect rare or unusual grasses
- You’re creating a New Zealand native garden
- You have a rock garden or alpine garden that needs interesting textures
- You want a drought-tolerant grass that’s different from the usual suspects
- You appreciate plants with interesting backstories
Desert Poa Might Not Be for You If:
- You’re looking for a fast-growing ground cover
- You want something that provides significant wildlife habitat (it’s wind-pollinated, so limited pollinator appeal)
- You prefer lush, tropical-looking plants
- You need something readily available at local garden centers
Growing Desert Poa Successfully
If you’ve decided to give desert poa a try, here’s what you need to know:
Growing Conditions
- Sunlight: Full sun is essential
- Soil: Well-draining soil is absolutely critical – this grass hates wet feet
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established, but needs regular water during establishment
- Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 6-9, thrives in areas with cool winters
Planting and Care Tips
- Plant in spring or early fall when temperatures are moderate
- Ensure excellent drainage – consider raised beds or rocky slopes if your soil retains water
- Space plants according to mature size, allowing each tussock room to develop
- Water regularly the first year, then reduce watering significantly
- Minimal fertilizer needed – too much can actually harm the plant
- Remove old growth in late winter if desired, though it’s not necessary
A Note About Sourcing
Since desert poa has a limited natural range, it’s important to source plants responsibly. Look for nurseries that specialize in New Zealand natives or unusual grasses, and make sure any plants you buy are nursery-propagated rather than wild-collected.
The Bottom Line
Desert poa is definitely a niche plant – it’s not going to replace your lawn or become the star of your flower border. But for gardeners who appreciate subtle beauty, interesting textures, and plants with unique stories, it can be a wonderful addition to the right garden. Just make sure you can provide the well-draining conditions it needs, and don’t expect it to behave like a typical garden grass.
If desert poa doesn’t sound like the right fit for your garden, consider exploring other drought-tolerant grasses native to your region – there are likely some fantastic local options that will give you similar aesthetic benefits while supporting your local ecosystem!
