3 named cultivars

grass

Mat Rush

Lomandra confertifolia

The Story

Plant Bio

Lomandra confertifolia is an evergreen Australian monocot forming dense, rounded mounds of fine, arching, grass-like foliage. The plant produces small, cream-colored to yellow flower spikes that remain largely concealed within the leaf bases during spring and summer.

This species is distinguished by its exceptionally narrow, needle-fine leaves that create a soft, cloud-like texture in the landscape. Unlike true grasses, it retains its structural form and color year-round without dying back in winter.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a soft, fine-textured, evergreen mounding form that contrasts well with broad-leaved plants.

Highly drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for low-maintenance, water-wise landscapes and erosion control on slopes.

Offers dense nesting cover and shelter for small ground-dwelling birds and beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

24"

Width

30"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with excellent drainage, such as a sloped bed, rocky soil, or sandy loam.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant so the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level to prevent rot.
Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, drought-tolerant root system.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the foliage crown to avoid moisture retention.

Pro Tip

Avoid shearing this plant to the ground like a true ornamental grass; cutting back into the old, leafless woody base prevents regeneration and can kill the clump.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
Provide full sun to partial shade, or deep shade under established tree canopies.
Remove dead or damaged outer leaves individually by pulling them away from the base.

Don't

Do not cut the foliage back hard into the woody crown.
Do not allow the soil to remain waterlogged or saturated.
Do not apply high-phosphorus or heavy chemical fertilizers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mass plantingRock gardensBorder edgingUnderstory plantingContainer specimens

Companion Plants

Agave Salvia 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 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?

Yes — Mat Rush is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

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.