Species

grass

River Mat Rush

The Story

Plant Bio

Lomandra is a genus of evergreen, grass-like perennials native to Australia, characterized by tough, strappy foliage and exceptional drought tolerance. These resilient plants typically grow in tufted clumps and produce small, inconspicuous flowers on spikes nestled within or rising just above the foliage.

'Shara' is a compact, fine-textured cultivar distinguished by its narrow, soft blue-grey leaves that lack the sharp, serrated edges of other mat rushes. It exhibits superior resistance to Phytophthora root rot and tolerates wet, heavy clay soils and temporary flooding far better than the species.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a fine-textured, soft blue-grey foliage accent that moves gracefully in the wind and maintains its color year-round.

Extremely low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and highly resistant to Phytophthora root rot compared to other cultivars.

Offers soil stabilization and erosion control on slopes and swales while tolerating periodic inundation.

SpeciesLomandra fluviatilisRiver Mat-rush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

22"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

High

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 in full sun to partial shade with adaptable soil, ranging from sandy loam to heavy clay.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the crown sits level with the surrounding soil surface.
Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil, and maintain regular moisture until the root system is established.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring to support new growth, though feeding is rarely required in fertile soils.

Pro Tip

Pruning should be limited to a hard rejuvenation cut back to two inches above the ground once every three to five years; annual shearing or cutting into the old, leafless wood below the crown will weaken or kill the clump.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune the plant back hard to about two inches above the ground every three to five years to refresh the foliage.
Ensure the soil has at least moderate drainage, even though the plant tolerates temporary seasonal flooding.
Water occasionally during prolonged, severe drought periods to maintain optimal foliage color.

Don't

Do not shear the foliage annually like turfgrass, as frequent heavy pruning weakens the clump.
Do not cut below the crown into old, leafless wood, which can kill the plant.
Do not plant in permanently waterlogged, stagnant bog conditions where root rot can develop.

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

Rain GardensErosion ControlMass PlantingsBorder EdgingCoastal GardensBio-retention Swales

Companion Plants

Dianella caerulea Westringia fruticosa Anigozanthos flavidus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

River Mat Rush questions

What zones can River Mat Rush grow in?

River 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 River Mat Rush deer resistant?

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

When does River Mat Rush bloom?

River 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 River Mat Rush need full sun?

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

Is River Mat Rush drought tolerant?

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