1 named cultivar

‘Katie Belles’Slender Mat Rush

grass

Green Mat-Rush

The Story

Plant Bio

Lomandra hystrix is a robust, tussock-forming perennial grass with an upright to arching habit, native to watercourses and rainforests of eastern Australia. The flat, strap-like leaves grow up to fifty-one inches long and feature small teeth at the tips, while pale yellow, whorled flower clusters emerge on flattened stems during spring and summer.

This species is highly adaptable, thriving in humid subtropical zones as well as temperate climates while tolerating both wet soil conditions and established drought. The leaf bases are non-toxic and edible, carrying a mild flavor resembling raw peas.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round architectural structure with its robust, arching, bright green strap-like foliage.

Stabilizes soil along watercourses and slopes while adapting exceptionally well to dry urban garden conditions once established.

Attracts generalist native pollinators, including small bees and beneficial insects, with its spring and summer flowers.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

51"

Width

39"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Eastern Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with adaptable soil ranging from sandy loam to heavy clay.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at the same depth it was growing in the container.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the rhizomes, maintaining regular moisture until established.
Apply a balanced or slow-release fertilizer sparingly in spring to support new foliage growth.

Pro Tip

Avoid shearing the foliage flat to the ground annually; cutting back into the old, leafless lower stems can kill the clump as it does not readily regenerate from hard-wooded wood.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure proper soil drainage to prevent root rot in heavy or waterlogged soils.
Prune back hard to six to eight inches above the ground only every three to four years if the clump becomes untidy.
Water regularly during dry spells to maintain optimal appearance, though the plant tolerates drought once established.

Don't

Do not shear the plant annually into old leafless wood, which prevents regeneration.
Do not plant in direct beachside locations with high salt spray or heavy salinity.
Do not overwater heavy clay soils to avoid creating chronically waterlogged conditions.

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

Rain gardensUnderstory plantingMass planting in urban landscapes

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 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 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.