Species

Lomandra confertifoliaMat Rush

2 other cultivars

grass

Mat Rush

Lomandra confertifolia 'Wingarra'

The Story

Plant Bio

Lomandra confertifolia is an evergreen perennial native to the open forests and rocky slopes of eastern Australia. The species forms dense, grass-like tussocks of narrow, strap-like foliage and produces small, clustered inflorescences nestled within the leaves.

'Wingarra' is distinguished by its compact, weeping habit and fine-textured, glaucous blue-green foliage accented by purple basal sheaths. It possesses unusually large, deep rhizomes that provide enhanced drought tolerance and allow the plant to thrive in full sun, unlike wild forms of the species.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round architectural structure with its weeping, fine-textured, glaucous blue-green foliage.

Offers exceptional drought tolerance and soil stabilization once established, requiring minimal maintenance.

Attracts general beneficial insects and small pollinators while providing shelter for ground-dwelling wildlife.

SpeciesLomandra confertifoliaMat Rush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

16"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with well-drained sandy loam, loam, or clay loam in full sun to partial shade.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant at the same depth as the nursery container, ensuring the crown is not buried.
Water thoroughly upon planting and maintain regular irrigation until the deep rhizome system is fully established.
Apply a low-phosphorus slow-release fertilizer once a year in early spring to support steady, compact growth.

Pro Tip

Avoid pruning into the old, leafless woody crown at the base of the clump, as this prevents the plant from regenerating new foliage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide excellent drainage to prevent soil waterlogging around the root system.
Water regularly during the first summer to ensure deep root establishment.
Use low-phosphorus fertilizers formulated for native plants.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, boggy soils that retain standing water.
Do not prune the foliage back annually; only cut back hard every three to four years if refreshing is required.
Do not bury the crown of the plant during planting or mulching.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mass PlantingBorder EdgingRock GardenCoastal GardenContainer Planting

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Salvia apiana Rosmarinus officinalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mat Rush questions

What zones can Mat Rush grow in?

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 Mat Rush deer resistant?

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

When does Mat Rush bloom?

Mat Rush typically blooms in late spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Mat Rush need full sun?

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

Is Mat Rush drought tolerant?

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