Slip, Slope,,,,,,,, Slap Vetiver
The fact you are here means it's likely you already know about vetiver grass and how it works its magic. In short, vetiver grass stops run off, slipping and naturally terraces slopes.
I supply and cater for the Tauranga/BOP area and with over 2,000 relic slip sites being identified across Tauranga there is always a local need for Vetiver. Tauranga has many natural steep slopes, and modified slopes where man-made changes were made, add some intense rainfall and ground shaking and the benefits of roots going down up to 6 metres per hedge row speaks for itself.
What is the process?
Typical turnaround is approximately 4 weeks (but I begin harvesting from September, so can often supply smaller orders instantly) to get a vetiver slip ready for sale. An order will come in, I then split the vetiver soak them and then pot into PB bags. During this process I can select the best ones for sale.
Plant it up
Once you've received your vetiver, plant it up and keep well watered for a couple of weeks. Plant a vetiver slip every 20cm for the fastest and best results. You can opt to plant every 50cm, but your hedge may take for approx. 4 years to establish. If you're unsure what to do get in touch and I can plant them up for you.
The famous roots picture
The famous roots picture
The famous roots picture
Yes it's not my picture, but it highlights what vetiver does under the surface - nothing goes past vetiver.
Growing season
The famous roots picture
The famous roots picture
Vetiver's main growing season in NZ is Oct -April. Planting is best in Oct/Nov & March when there's a good balance of heat and rain.
You can plant in the summer as well - just keep them well watered.
200 year wall
The famous roots picture
200 year wall
Vetiver will establish itself in a few weeks and if you plant early Spring you will have hedge rows ready for Winter. Vetiver plants have a life expectancy of 200 years + so once established your slope should be secure.
Vetiver is a fast-growing perennial grass plant with an extensive, dense and deep root system. Since the vetiver root system does not have lateral roots (stolons nor rhizomes) it cannot move laterally. It cannot produce fertile seed, it does not spread naturally and is therefore not invasive. When planted close together it forms a dense narrow hedge. Its leaves and stems will grow up to 3 meter tall and its roots will grow downwards up to 6 meters. The roots have a tensile strength of 1/6 that of mild steel, and when planted in hedges will increase soil sheer strength by up to 45%.
Underneath each hedgerow an interlocking and dense root matrix creates vast, dense underground walls that not only reinforces soil structure but will stabilise any associated infrastructure. The plant has a wide range of adaption and will tolerate soil pH from 3 to 11, temperatures from -15 to +55 degrees C and is extremely drought proof, and yet can survive complete submergence in water for at least 3 months. It is saline tolerant, tolerant to most heavy metals, and to all herbicides except for glyphosate.
The split 2025/26 has started - stock available now!
2 months growth and plant is fully established
Vetiver Grass according to Chat GPT
🌱 Why Vetiver Grass is the Smart Choice for New Zealand
Are you facing erosion, unstable slopes, or poor drainage on your property? Vetiver grass is the natural, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly solution you've been looking for.
✅ What is Vetiver?
Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) is a hardy, fast-growing perennial grass with deep, fibrous roots that can reach up to 3–4 metres deep. Originally from India, it's now being used all over the world — including in New Zealand — to combat erosion, improve soil stability, and support sustainable land management.
🌍 Why New Zealand Needs Vetiver
New Zealand’s hilly landscapes, heavy rainfall, and coastal conditions make erosion and land slips an ongoing issue for farmers, landowners, councils, and developers.
Vetiver offers a cost-effective, environmentally friendly solution to:
- 🛡️ Prevent erosion on slopes, riverbanks, and road cuttings
- 🌧️ Stabilise land during heavy rainfall and extreme weather events
- 🚜 Rehabilitate degraded land and reduce runoff
- 🌿 Improve soil health without chemicals or synthetic inputs
💪 Benefits of Vetiver in NZ Conditions
- Thrives in a wide range of climates – from Northland to Otago
- Handles frost better than many tropical grasses
- Survives drought and waterlogging
- Non-invasive and doesn’t spread like pest grasses
- Grows up to 1.5m tall above ground — excellent for filtering runoff and capturing sediment
- No seeding – sterile plant that won’t spread uncontrollably
🧱 Perfect For:
- Farmers seeking natural erosion control
- Landscapers and developers stabilising earthworks
- Councils restoring stream banks and flood-prone areas
- Vineyard and orchard owners preventing slope erosion
- Lifestyle block owners wanting low-maintenance, sustainable planting
🔒 Long-Term Investment
Once established, Vetiver requires minimal maintenance, no fertiliser, and will last 20+ years. It's a one-time planting that delivers long-term protection and environmental benefits.
🌿 Let Nature Do the Work
Choose Vetiver grass to protect your land the natural way — no concrete, no chemicals, just deep roots and deep results.
Vetiver: Strong roots. Smart land care. Sustainable future.
