1 named cultivar

‘Katie Belles’Katie Belles Lomandra

grass

Green Mat-rush

The Story

Plant Bio

Lomandra hystrix is a robust, densely tufted perennial herb native to eastern Australia, where it grows along stream banks and rainforest margins. The species forms a graceful, arching clump of flat, strap-like green foliage that remains bright throughout the year.

Unlike its close relative Lomandra longifolia, this species thrives in wet, periodically inundated soils and features distinct leaf-tip teeth with a multi-branched inflorescence. The yellow or cream flowers are clustered on flattened scapes and are subtended by sharp, pungent bracts that can prick the skin.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a structural, arching green presence in shaded or sunny borders and rain gardens.

Thrives in difficult, wet, or periodically inundated sites where other species fail.

Stabilises banks to prevent erosion and supports native insects and butterflies as a larval host.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

51 inches

Width

79 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Eastern Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic (pollen may be allergenic)

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site ranging from full sun to heavy shade with moist, well-draining soil, or position along a creek edge or rain garden.
Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and plant at the same depth as the container soil level.
Water thoroughly upon planting and maintain regular moisture until the root system is fully established.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the immediate crown to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Never shear the foliage flat to the ground annually like an exotic grass; cutting below the green growing points into bare, leafless wood can severely damage or kill the plant.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry spells to maintain optimal foliage appearance.
Prune back hard into healthy green tissue only once every three to four years if rejuvenation is required.
Protect young plants with guards if possum or cockatoo foraging pressure is high.

Don't

Do not shear the plant annually into old, leafless brown wood as it will not readily regenerate.
Do not plant in dry, sandy soils without providing supplementary irrigation during establishment.
Do not handle the flower spikes without gloves due to the sharp, prickly bracts.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Erosion ControlRain GardensStream Bank StabilisationUnderstory PlantingMass Planting

Companion Plants

Dianella caerulea Carex appressa Melaleuca ericifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Green Mat-rush questions

What zones can Green Mat-rush grow in?

Green Mat-rush 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 Green Mat-rush bloom?

Green 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 Green Mat-rush need full sun?

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

Is Green Mat-rush drought tolerant?

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