Species

Lomandra confertifoliaMat Rush

2 other cultivars

grass

Small Mat Rush

Lomandra confertifolia 'Little Con'

The Story

Plant Bio

Lomandra confertifolia is a tough, evergreen Australian perennial that forms dense tussocks of narrow, grass-like foliage. The species thrives in well-drained soils across sunny or partially shaded sites, producing small, inconspicuous flower spikes nestled within the leaves.

'Little Con' is distinguished by its highly compact, naturally rounded mounding habit and exceptionally fine, lime-green leaves. It maintains a clean, architectural shape without the need for regular shearing, reaching a mature height of only twelve to sixteen inches.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a neat, fine-textured, lime-green mound that retains its color and structure year-round.

Highly drought-tolerant once established, making it excellent for low-water landscapes and erosion control on slopes.

Offers structural cover and shelter for ground-dwelling beneficial insects.

SpeciesLomandra confertifoliaMat Rush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

14"

Width

16"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with excellent drainage, such as a sandy loam slope or raised bed, in full sun to partial shade.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant so the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water deeply to establish the root system, then reduce frequency to allow the soil to dry between waterings.
Apply a low-phosphorus fertilizer sparingly in early spring to support new foliage growth.

Pro Tip

Avoid the common mistake of shearing this plant back to a woody crown annually; cutting into old, leafless wood will kill the stems or prevent recovery.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot.
Cut back hard to four inches from the base in early spring if the foliage suffers severe frost or storm damage.
Use physical barriers if local deer or rabbit pressure is high.

Don't

Do not shear the plant into old, leafless wood during routine maintenance.
Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils or low spots that collect standing water.
Do not overwater once the root system is established.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mass plantingsBorder edgingRock gardensCoastal gardensContainer specimens

Companion Plants

Festuca glauca Rosmarinus officinalis Salvia clevelandii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Small Mat Rush questions

What zones can Small Mat Rush grow in?

Small 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 Small Mat Rush deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Small Mat Rush, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Small Mat Rush bloom?

Small 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 Small Mat Rush need full sun?

Small Mat Rush does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Small Mat Rush drought tolerant?

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