Flower Library
Steel Grass
Xanthorrhoea australis · Asphodelaceae (früher Xanthorrhoeaceae)
Steel grass is perhaps the most versatile cut green in the modern bouquet: knife-slim, steel-green blades that bend, loop and knot without snapping. We value it for its weeks-long form stability and for giving an arrangement a line that few other greens can match.
- Season
- Year-round
- Vase life
- 14–28 days
- Latin name
- Xanthorrhoea australis
- Colors
- Deep green, Dark green, Grey-green
Botanically, steel grass causes a little confusion: the floristry trade usually lists it as Xanthorrhoea australis, while the foliage actually cut often comes from related grass-tree species such as Xanthorrhoea johnsonii. For the bouquet that is irrelevant, the same thing is always meant: long, narrow, steel-green blades from 60 to well over 100 centimetres.
In floristry steel grass is a favourite material for everything linear and architectural. It can be bent into arcs, laid into loops, plaited or bundled and holds its shape. This creates the typical sweeping cascades in bridal bouquets, graphic accents in foam arrangements and the modern, almost Japanese-feeling line bouquets in which the green plays the lead role.
Quality shows in blades of even, deep green colour without brown tips and without kinks. Good material is smooth, firm and elastic at the same time. This is exactly where buying direct pays off: we source steel grass without any middleman from the auction, so it reaches us fresh and with full vase life, clearly exceeding the usual seven days.
Steel grass combines almost universally. With calla, anthurium, orchid and rose it adds clean lines, in tropical themes it underlines the exotic look, and in pared-back bouquets it works through repetition and curvature alone. Because it is so understated and durable, it suits large-scale event work as readily as the simple bouquet at home.
Care
- 01Cut blades at an angle and place in clean, cool water; flower food extends the vase life further.
- 02Remove any foliage below the waterline so the water stays clear and does not spoil.
- 03Keep steel grass cool, out of draughts and away from direct sun and radiator heat.
- 04To shape it, carefully bend the blades into arcs or loops and fix with thin binding wire or raffia if needed.
- 05Change the vase water every two to three days and re-cut the stems each time, then the green lasts several weeks.
Frequently asked
- How long does steel grass last in the vase?
- Steel grass is one of the longest-lasting cut greens of all. In the vase it realistically lasts two to four weeks, and even longer when stored cool in its original packaging. A fresh cut and regular water changes get the most out of it.
- Is steel grass toxic to cats, dogs or children?
- Steel grass is not listed as a toxic plant and is considered harmless in everyday floristry. It is, however, purely decorative greenery and not meant to be eaten; keep the long blades out of reach of small children and curious pets.
- Can you bend steel grass without it breaking?
- Yes, that is exactly what makes it so popular. The blades are elastic and can be formed into arcs, loops and knots. Bend slowly and evenly for best results; shaped loops can be fixed permanently with thin wire or raffia.
- When is steel grass in season?
- Steel grass is available all year round. It is grown continuously and traded through the auction, so the quality stays consistently high throughout the year.