Floren Bluegrass is a perennial, summer growing grass.
It is especially suited to alkaline, cracking-clay soils and has
been outstanding in flood plain environments in inland Queensland and as far south as Coolah in northern NSW (the upper Murray-Darling basin). It is an extremely competitive grass in flood plain or water-course country, especially where the pasture is flooded or inundated every 12-18 months.
Floren also appears suited to the high rainfall areas of coastal Queensland and the tropical north.
The grass was introduced from India by the Queensland DPI in 1984 and officially released in Australia during 1995. Floren is protected by PBR legislation with Progressive Seeds having exclusive production and marketing rights to this variety.
Contact Murray Aitchison regarding seed supplies (phone 07- 3201 1741).
IMPORTANT FEATURES
Vigorous, spreading growth habit. Floren is an extremely vigorous perennial, growing up to one metre high. Its ability to form a dense sward and dominate other species is seen as a major advantage in managing aggressive floodplain weeds such as Lippia. It is generally a prolific seeder, although this can be limited in some areas of northern NSW by relatively milder autumn conditions.
Very tolerant of flooding. Floren is similar to Bambatsi in its flooding tolerance and capable of surviving periods of up to eight weeks of submergence under water. It is adapted to high rainfall situation and pastures on river frontages, flood plain’s and melon-hole country in the brigalow belt.
Good seedling vigor. Establishes relatively easily from seed.
Drought tolerant. Established Floren pastures can survive prolonged periods of severe drought.
Salt tolerant.
Very low phosphate requirement. Floren will remain productive on soils with very low phosphate levels i.e. Poplar Box and Brigalow soils.
Long term pasture. Floren persists well under heavy grazing despite being palatable to stock.
Good Autumn production. Floren is very later maturing in southern
Queensland and can provide green feed well into early winter.
While heavy frosts will cut back the plant, Floren is still very palatable
to cattle, sheep and horses even after frosting. Its value as stand-over
dry feed is considered an important attribute, even after frosting.
