Microlaena stipoides

Weeping Grass

If you are looking for a native grass, that grows in shade and is easy care then Microlaena stipoides could be the answer, and the variety you are looking for is ‘Griffin’.

Native to Australia Microlaena stipoides is commonly called weeping grass and a number of varieties have been developed in recent years

For a lawn substitute Griffin is the variety to look for. This is a low growing variety reaching around 15cm in height. It is low maintenance once established, needing to mown 2 – 4 times a year depending on climate and conditions, it grows well in shade and has low water requirements.

How to grow Weeping Grass

This is a grass that is generally grown from seed .

A number of varieties are now available, all with different growth habits, the species itself as well as a shorter cultivar ‘Shannon’ which is becoming popular.
 ‘Griffin‘, is an even lower growing type and finally ‘Wakefield’ which has less of a weeping habit than others.

Sow directly after weeding the area well, solarisation using black plastic can be a good way of removing many weeds.

Soil pH is important, acid soils are required and a pH of less than 5.5 is best for good growth

• Lightly rake the soil over and spread the seed at recommended rate.
• Seed should be broadcast evenly and then raked or harrowed so it is covered by around 1cm.
• Water in well and keep moist
• Germination can be slow
• You may need to over sow at a later date to fill any patches.
• After 2 years this grass should be well established and require little maintenance.

Germination

• Germination is slow, particularly during colder winter months, sowing in spring where the combination of warmer weather and spring rain to maintain moisture is suggested for best results.
• Seeds that do not germinate initially may be encouraged by watering.

If you are mowing, the first pass should be at around 6cm to avoid damage.

Height & Growth Habit Comared

Variety	Typical height	Growth Habit
‘Shannon’	Moderate (shorter than species type; exact ~20–30 cm common)	Relatively short, upright habit — good for low-maintenance turf/amenity.
‘Griffin’	Low, ~15–25 cm	Very prostrate/fine-leafed turf grass with dense, soft cover — ideal native lawn.
‘Wakefield	Taller, more upright	Selected for more erect form and high leaf-to-stem ratio; less weeping than others.

Fertiliser Suggestions

Microlaena responds positively to fertility increases (especially nitrogen), though requires less fertiliser than exotic lawn grasses. 

General Guidance

• Apply light slow-release fertiliser in early spring to promote leaf growth.
• Avoid excessive fertiliser, which can favour weed grasses over natives.
• Maintain slightly acidic conditions (pH <5.5) for best performance. 

Optional:
For Griffin, low to moderate fertiliser helps density without excessive thatch

• Best For Fine Native Lawn (Home Landscape)
  ‘Griffin’ — lowest growing, fine texture, excellent shade and drought tolerance, minimal mowing.
  
• Best For Low-Maintenance Turf
  ‘Shannon’ — slightly taller, good all-purpose turfgrass with solid drought/shade balance.
  
• Best For Pasture or Taller Groundcover
  ‘Wakefield’ — more upright and selected for leaf production, less typical as a fine turf.