1 named cultivar

‘Wingarra’Wingarra Mat Rush

grass

Mat Rush

Lomandra confertifolia

The Story

Plant Bio

Lomandra confertifolia, commonly known as mat rush, is a densely tufted evergreen perennial native to the dry sclerophyll forests and rocky slopes of eastern Australia. The species forms neat, rounded mounds of fine, grass-like foliage that remains structural throughout the year.

This species is distinguished by its exceptionally narrow, linear leaves that terminate in tiny two- or three-toothed tips. Small, highly fragrant yellow flowers are borne on short, flattened stems that remain partially concealed within the dense foliage during spring and summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round architectural structure with fine, weeping or mounded foliage.

Excellent for soil stabilisation and erosion control on dry, rocky slopes.

Provides shelter and foraging sites for small native birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

28 inches

Width

39 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Medium

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Eastern Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with excellent drainage, such as a sloping bank, raised bed, or sandy loam soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the plant sits at the same soil level as it did in the pot.
Backfill the hole, firming the soil gently around the base of the plant to eliminate air pockets.
Water thoroughly immediately after planting, then water sparingly only until the root system is established.

Pro Tip

Never shear this species into tight balls or cut back into the old, leafless woody stem tissue, as this destroys the central crown and prevents regrowth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot.
Plant in full sun or partial shade to maintain tight foliage growth.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the central crown.

Don't

Do not overwater or plant in low-lying areas prone to waterlogging.
Do not shear the plant annually; leave clumps unpruned unless rejuvenating.
Do not cut into the old, leafless woody stems at the base of the plant.

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

Mass plantingRock gardensBorder edgingErosion control on slopes

Companion Plants

Grevillea Correa Anigozanthos Westringia

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 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 Mat Rush bloom?

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 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.