Species

grass

Shara Lomandra

The Story

Plant Bio

Lomandra fluviatilis, commonly known as the river mat rush, is a tussock-forming evergreen perennial native to rocky watercourses and riverbanks of eastern Australia. The species features slender, strap-like foliage and produces small, clustered flowers on spikes that emerge from the base of the plant.

'ABU7' is distinguished by its exceptionally fine, soft-textured foliage with distinct blue-grey tones and a highly compact, arching growth habit. The golden-yellow flower spikes are held prominently above the foliage canopy during spring and summer, and the plant exhibits high resistance to Phytophthora root rot.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a fine-textured, blue-grey architectural element that retains its neat, arching form year-round.

Highly effective for erosion control on slopes, bioswales, and rain gardens due to its tolerance of periodic flooding.

Provides shelter for small birds and supports native bees and beneficial insects with its dense golden flower spikes.

SpeciesLomandra fluviatilisRiver Mat-rush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

20 inches

Width

20 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Eastern Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil, though heavier clay or sandy sites are also suitable.
Dig a hole twice the width of the nursery pot and plant at the same depth as the soil level in the container.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the root ball, maintaining moisture until established.
Apply an organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the immediate foliage crown to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Avoid annual shearing or cutting back into the brown, leafless crown base; Lomandra lacks active buds on old bare wood, and severe pruning will disfigure or kill the plant.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Trim spent flower stems at their base to maintain a clean appearance.
Water during extended dry periods to maintain active growth, even though the plant is highly drought-tolerant.
Ensure the planting site avoids stagnant, permanently waterlogged conditions.

Don't

Never shear the plant annually or cut down into the old, brown, leafless wood.
Do not apply heavy doses of fertiliser, as this species is adapted to low-nutrient soils.
Avoid propagating this cultivar via division, as 'ABU7' is legally protected under Plant Breeders Rights.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mass plantingsBioswalesRain gardensRock gardensBorder edgingErosion control

Companion Plants

Callistemon citrinus Westringia fruticosa Dianella caerulea Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Shara Lomandra questions

What zones can Shara Lomandra grow in?

Shara Lomandra 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.

When does Shara Lomandra bloom?

Shara Lomandra 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 Shara Lomandra need full sun?

Shara Lomandra does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Shara Lomandra drought tolerant?

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