Also known as Mat Rush · 43 saves
Lomandra
Lomandra, the genus most gardeners know as mat rush. We track 14 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 14 most-saved Lomandra varieties
4 species of Lomandra
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Lomandra in Sow
Save the Lomandra you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Lomandra
Whats common across all Lomandra varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 14 most-grown of them.
The Lomandra year
- PruneFebruary and March100% of varieties
Cut back hard to near ground level to rejuvenate congested clumps every three to four years.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October79% of varieties
Plant in well-drained soil during mild spring or autumn weather.
- Check for PestsJune and July71% of varieties
Inspect the dense leaf bases for mealybugs or scale insects, especially in dry periods.
- FertilizeMarch and April64% of varieties
Apply a light application of low-phosphorus or native-safe slow-release fertiliser.
Do
- Water regularly during the first summer to establish a deep root system.
- Ensure the soil drains freely to prevent root rot.
- Apply a light application of slow-release native fertiliser in spring if growth slows.
- Ensure the soil drains well to prevent root rot.
- Check for the official PBR label when purchasing to ensure correct genetics.
Avoid
- Do not plant in permanently waterlogged or boggy positions.
- Do not shear the foliage into formal hedge shapes annually.
- Do not cut back into the dead lower crown below the active growing points.
- Do not plant in chronically wet, stagnant sumps or waterlogged depressions.
What goes wrong with Lomandra
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mealybugs | White, cottony masses nestled deep within the leaf bases of stressed plants. | Apply horticultural oil directly to the affected areas or remove physically with a stiff brush. |
| Scale insects | Small, sap-sucking bumps on the foliage of stressed plants, often accompanied by sooty mould. | Apply horticultural oils or systemic insecticide if the infestation is severe. |
| Aphids | Clusters of small sap-sucking insects on the dense leaf bases. | Thin out dense plantings and improve air circulation around the crown. |
| Grasshoppers | Ragged chewing damage along the leaf margins. | Monitor plants regularly and hand-pick pests, as chemical intervention is rarely required. |
| Phytophthora root rot | Yellowing foliage, wilting, and base rot occurring in saturated soils. | Improve soil drainage, avoid over-watering, and remove severely infected plants. |
| Root Rot | Yellowing foliage, wilting, and a mushy crown, caused by overly wet soil. | There is no cure. Prevention is key: ensure excellent drainage and avoid overwatering. Remove and discard affected plants. |
| Root rot | Whole clumps yellowing and collapsing due to Phytophthora in waterlogged soil. | Improve soil drainage, relocate the plant, or substitute with Lomandra hystrix in wet spots. |
Making more Lomandra
Division
- Note that commercial propagation is strictly prohibited under Plant Breeder's Rights.
- Lift an established clump in early autumn using a sharp spade.
- Slice the clump into smaller sections, ensuring each division has a healthy portion of roots and shoots.
- Replant immediately into well-draining soil and water thoroughly until established.
Tissue culture
- Commercial propagation is strictly restricted under Plant Breeder's Rights (PBR).
- Initiate cultures in a sterile laboratory environment using selected meristematic tissue.
- Multiply microshoots on specific agar media containing regulated growth hormones.
- Root the microshoots and acclimate the plantlets in controlled greenhouse conditions before potting.
Lomandra questions
How many types of Lomandra are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 14 distinct Lomandra varieties. The most popular — ranked by 43 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Lomandra grow in?
Across its varieties, Lomandra covers USDA Zones 8–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Lomandra bloom?
Most Lomandra varieties bloom in late spring, spring, early spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Lomandra should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.