Species

grass

Katie Belles Lomandra

The Story

Plant Bio

Lomandra hystrix, the slender mat rush, is a large evergreen Australian perennial forming dense, fountain-like tussocks along freshwater streams and damp gullies. The species features broad, flat, bright green leaves and produces branched clusters of scented yellow flowers that rise to meet or exceed the foliage height.

'LHBYF' is distinguished by its highly prolific, sweet-perfumed, bright yellow flower clusters that bloom heavily from spring to early summer and repeat in autumn. This cultivar exhibits exceptional resistance to Phytophthora root rot, making it highly reliable in poorly drained soils, rain gardens, and wet runoff areas where other native strappy plants fail.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides structural, fountain-like form with broad, bright green foliage and highly showy, sweet-perfumed yellow flower clusters.

Stabilises soil on slopes and creek banks, tolerates periodic waterlogging in rain gardens, and resists Phytophthora root rot.

Supports native bees and beneficial insects while providing nesting cover and nectar for small-to-medium native birds.

SpeciesLomandra hystrixGreen Mat-rush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

71 inches

Width

59 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Eastern Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Autumn

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to moderate shade with clay, loam, or sandy soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and of equal depth.
Position the plant so the crown sits level with the surrounding soil surface to prevent rot.
Backfill the hole, firm gently, and water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.

Pro Tip

Cut the entire clump back hard to ground level only every three to four years to clear out spent foliage; annual shearing or cutting into old, leafless wood will weaken or kill the plant.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first summer to establish a deep root system.
Cut the entire clump back hard to ground level every 3 to 4 years to rejuvenate.
Use in rain gardens and wet areas where runoff is frequent.

Don't

Do not shear the plant annually or cut it into formal hedges.
Do not prune down into old, bare, leafless wood as it will not regenerate.
Do not over-fertilise; an occasional slow-release native fertiliser is sufficient.

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 control on banksMass plantingsUnderstory plantingCoastal gardens

Companion Plants

Dianella caerulea Callistemon viminalis Westringia fruticosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Katie Belles Lomandra questions

What zones can Katie Belles Lomandra grow in?

Katie Belles Lomandra is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Katie Belles Lomandra bloom?

Katie Belles Lomandra typically blooms in spring through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Katie Belles Lomandra need full sun?

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

Is Katie Belles Lomandra drought tolerant?

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