7 named cultivars

grass

Australian Mat Rush

The Story

Plant Bio

Lomandra longifolia, the Australian mat rush, is a tough, evergreen perennial herb that forms dense, clumping mounds of arching, strap-like foliage. The glossy green leaves are highly rigid and feature distinctive two- or three-toothed tips, maintaining their architectural form throughout the year.

This species is highly valued in warm-climate landscapes for its extreme tolerance to drought, salt spray, and heat once established. In spring and summer, it produces spiny, branched clusters of fragrant, cream to bright yellow flowers nestled among the foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round architectural structure with its glossy, arching, strap-like green foliage.

Extremely low-maintenance and highly tolerant of drought, coastal salt, and variable soil types once established.

Offers excellent soil stabilization and erosion control on slopes and banks with its dense, rhizomatous root system.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

40"

Width

40"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil, though the plant adapts to sand, loam, or clay.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant the crown exactly level with the surrounding soil surface to avoid rot.
Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, drought-resistant root system.
Apply a low-phosphorus or balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring to support new foliage growth, though feeding is rarely necessary.

Pro Tip

Plant the crown level with the soil surface to prevent collar rot, and avoid shearing the foliage annually; instead, cut the clump back hard only every three to four years to rejuvenate the growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant the crown flush with the soil level to prevent moisture retention and subsequent rot.
Prune back the entire clump hard every three to four years to clear out old foliage and stimulate fresh growth.
Provide excellent drainage, especially when planting in heavy clay soils.

Don't

Do not bury the crown of the plant during installation, as this induces fatal collar rot.
Do not shear the foliage down to stubble annually, which weakens the plant and ruins its natural arching habit.
Do not overwater once established, particularly in poorly draining or stagnant soils.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mass PlantingErosion ControlCoastal GardensBorder EdgingArchitectural Accent

Companion Plants

Muhlenbergia capillaris Carex pensylvanica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Australian Mat Rush questions

What zones can Australian Mat Rush grow in?

Australian 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 Australian Mat Rush deer resistant?

Yes — Australian Mat Rush is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Australian Mat Rush bloom?

Australian 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 Australian Mat Rush need full sun?

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

Is Australian Mat Rush drought tolerant?

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