Species

grass

Wingarra Mat Rush

The Story

Plant Bio

Lomandra confertifolia is a tufted, evergreen perennial native to the open forests and rocky slopes of eastern Australia, valued for its fine-textured, grass-like foliage. The species forms dense, architectural clumps that tolerate dry conditions and light shade under established tree canopies.

'SIR5' is a compact, blue-grey cultivar distinguished by its tough, deep rhizomes and purple-sheathed leaf bases. Growing to around 40 centimetres wide, this form maintains a tight, spherical habit and produces short spikes of small, yellow pom-pom flowers in spring.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round architectural structure with fine, steely blue-grey foliage and a neat, compact clumping habit.

Excellent for erosion control on slopes and highly drought-tolerant once the deep rhizomatous root system is established.

Provides essential low cover and habitat refuge for skinks and small lizards, while the spring flowers support native bees.

SpeciesLomandra confertifoliaMat Rush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

14 inches

Width

20 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Eastern Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to light shade with well-drained sandy loam, loamy, or poor rocky soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and ensure the planting area is free of heavy, waterlogged clay.
Position the plant at the same depth as it was in the nursery pot, backfill, and water in thoroughly.
Maintain occasional watering for the first 12 to 18 months, keeping the surrounding area strictly free of weeds while the root system establishes.

Pro Tip

Unlike the more robust Lomandra longifolia, this species requires up to eighteen months of occasional watering to establish its root system and will fail if planted in heavy, unamended clay.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water occasionally during dry spells for the first year and a half until fully established.
Apply a low-phosphorus slow-release native fertiliser in spring if planting in exceptionally poor soils.
Clear competing weeds from around the base of the plant during its long establishment phase.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soils where water pools after rain.
Do not prune into old, hard, leafless wood, as the plant cannot reshoot from bare stem tissue.
Do not overwater once established, as wet conditions encourage root rot.

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

Mass PlantingBorder EdgingRock GardenCoastal GardenUnderstory Planting

Companion Plants

Dianella caerulea Anigozanthos flavidus Grevillea lanigera Correa reflexa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Wingarra Mat Rush questions

What zones can Wingarra Mat Rush grow in?

Wingarra 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.

When does Wingarra Mat Rush bloom?

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

Does Wingarra Mat Rush need full sun?

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

Is Wingarra Mat Rush drought tolerant?

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