Species

Lomandra longifoliaAustralian Mat Rush

6 other cultivars

grass

Spiny-headed Mat-rush

Lomandra longifolia 'Verday'

The Story

Plant Bio

Lomandra longifolia is an evergreen Australian perennial forming dense, weeping tussocks of narrow, strappy foliage that persists year-round. In spring and summer, it produces small, perfumed yellow flowers clustered on spiny, flattened spikes that sit nestled within the leaves.

'Verday' is a compact, highly uniform cultivar distinguished by its glossy, deep green mature foliage and bright lime-green new growth. It maintains a tighter, more architectural form than the species, reaching up to thirty-one inches tall and thirty-five inches wide.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round architectural structure with its weeping, glossy green tussocks and bright lime-green new growth.

Excellent for stabilizing slopes, controlling erosion, and tolerating harsh coastal winds and dry conditions.

Offers dense, evergreen cover and nesting habitat for small garden wildlife and beneficial insects.

SpeciesLomandra longifoliaAustralian Mat Rush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

31"

Width

35"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic to pets

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with reasonably drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but at the exact same depth.
Position the plant so the top of the root ball sits slightly above the surrounding soil grade to prevent crown burial.
Backfill with native soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting the crown below the soil or mulch line, as burying the base traps moisture and triggers fatal collar rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, drought-tolerant root system.
Apply a low-phosphorus, native-safe slow-release fertilizer lightly in early spring.
Cut the entire clump back hard near ground level every three to four years if dead interior foliage accumulates.

Don't

Do not plant the crown below the soil surface or pile mulch against the base of the leaves.
Do not overwater established plants growing in heavy clay soils.
Do not prune deep into the old, leafless woody crown tissue, as it will fail to regenerate.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mass PlantingErosion ControlCoastal GardensBorder EdgingRock Gardens

Companion Plants

Muhlenbergia capillaris Carex testacea Salvia apiana Arctostaphylos densiflora

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Spiny-headed Mat-rush questions

What zones can Spiny-headed Mat-rush grow in?

Spiny-headed Mat-rush is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Spiny-headed Mat-rush deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Spiny-headed Mat-rush, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Spiny-headed Mat-rush bloom?

Spiny-headed Mat-rush typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Spiny-headed Mat-rush need full sun?

Spiny-headed Mat-rush does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Spiny-headed Mat-rush drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Spiny-headed Mat-rush handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.