Lomandra grass is favoured for its colourful and lush foliage, compact growth habit, and great aesthetics. They are generally trouble free, easy to grow, and very rewarding. Follow our expert advice tips to get the most from your Lomandra grass and check out our beautiful varieties.
Providing the best fertiliser for Lomandra is important to ensure the plants thrive. The correct fertiliser depends on whether the plant is grown in a pot or in soil, and getting this wrong can be disastrous for your plants. Our articles provide the best advice about fertiliser for Lomandra so you can achieve the amazing results you are after.
Lomandra grown in containers require different fertiliser to those grown outdoors in soil. In this instance the correct fertiliser to use is either container plant fertiliser or fertiliser tablets. Each of these will provide safe, sustained, and complete nutrition to the plant for the next 12-months. Using other types of fertilisers can be detrimental to the plant and may result in plant injury or death.
Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken if you have time but this is not essential if container plant fertiliser or fertiliser tablets have been used. If you think the plant needs an extra boost or has some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser application won’t hurt. A great benefit of foliar feeding is that it helps keep the leaves strong and lush as the nutrition is right where the plant needs it.
Lomandra are vigorous plants that require feeding to keep them growing optimally. The Plant Company’s shrub fertiliser has been blended to give plants the boost they need and then sustained nutrition for the next 12 months and is also perfect for grass plants. We recommend the fertiliser is applied to the soil surface in spring just as the plants start to grow actively. More importantly, we advise that no fertiliser is placed in the hole at planting, but rather spread around the soil surface so it can wash through the roots as it releases. Our shrub fertiliser ensures that nutrients remain in the soil around the plant rather than being lost through the soil profile to where the plant cannot reach it. This also applies to plants grown on sandy soils. The Plant Company’s shrub fertiliser is therefore very environmentally friendly and longer lasting than most other products in the market.
Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken if you have time but this is not essential if garden fertiliser or shrub fertiliser has been applied. If you think the plants need an extra boost or have some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser application won’t hurt. A great benefit of foliar feeding is that it helps keep the leaves strong and lush.
Lomandra are showy plants that require feeding to keep them looking amazing. A lot of articles have all sorts of advice on this subject which often requires multiple applications, so you use more of their products. The Plant Company prefers to take a simpler and more environmentally responsible approach. We believe the best organic option is The Plant Company organic fertiliser which is applied in spring and again in autumn and will keep them well fed. You can safely apply generous amounts of this fertiliser without risk of injuring the plants. More details about this organic fertiliser are provided with the product.
The soil pH refers to how acid of alkaline the soil is. Lomandra prefer a soil pH within the range of 6.2 to 7.5 which means they will tolerate both acidic and semi-alkaline soils. As the pH of the soil moves away from this optimum range, the nutrients the plant is taking up (or not taking up) through the roots changes. If the shift in pH is too far, this can result in deficiencies of some nutrients and toxic levels of others. In either case this can cause the plant to become sick or even die a slow death.
The best way to know whether the pH is correct for your plant is to do a test. The Plant Company has pH test kits available that are easy to use and only take a few minutes to get a result. Preferably this test should be completed before planting so any pH issues can be corrected without risking the plant. A pH less 6.2 should have sparing amounts of dolomite lime applied along with garden fertiliser. A pH above 7.5 should have small amounts of soil acidifying fertiliser applied. In both instances the fertiliser should be thoroughly mixed into the soil before planting. A retest of the soil pH should be undertaken after four weeks, and small adjustments made again. If the pH is in the optimum range, just use garden fertiliser thereafter.
This series of articles answers many of the frequently asked questions about Lomandra, such as how fast they grow, their hardiness, and more!
The short answer is yes. Lomandra are generally regarded as being drought tolerant owing to their fibrous and deep penetrating root system. These are the perfect characteristics of plants for erosion control. Such properties also make them well suited for public spaces where they may be trampled from time to time and become exposed to prolonged dry and heat.
Lomandra can take a heavy frost once established, though very young plants should be protected until they are at least 15-20 cm tall. Frost Cloth is a good option for protecting vulnerable plants if you are worried. Be careful to harden off recently purchased plants if you intend to plant these during winter and frosts are likely. Do this by gradually exposing them to the cooler conditions over a two-week period or until such time as you think that a frost won’t damage them. The Plant Company recommends holding off planting until spring if you are at all worried that new plants might get frosted.
If plants do get frosted, they will generally recover. However, you will need to protect them from further frosts as this could kill them completely. Generally speaking, a good sized Lomandra planted in spring should cope with frosts the following winter.
Lomandra are generally vigorous and establish quickly. Most will double in size each year. Be sure to start with strong and healthy plants at the outset.
Most Lomandra will reach between 40-70 cm tall and wide but this obviously depends on the variety. The Plant Company has put a lot of effort into determining how big each variety will grow in an unrestricted growing environment. Far too often we see people planting a garden too densely and then having to spend a lot of time trimming or removing plants later. This is something we want our customers to avoid, and we therefore provide size information for each variety listed so the planning can be right from the start. Be sure to check out our range and the detailed information that accompanies each of our Lomandra varieties.
The short answer is no. Lomandra grows as a clump and does not put out roots that would be considered invasive.
Lomandra is not native to New Zealand. It is a genus of perennial, herbaceous monocots in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Lomandroideae. There are 51 species, all of which are native to Australia; two of them also extend into New Guinea and New Caledonia. Lomandra are popular in New Zealand due to their drought and heat tolerance, and their low maintenance. They are versatile plants that can be used in a variety of landscaping applications.
Adding ornamental grass plants such as Lomandra 'Lime Tuff' to your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:
Lomandra is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asparagaceae, native to Australia and New Zealand. There are about 40 species of Lomandra, and they are commonly known as mat rushes or basket grasses. Some of the most common Lomandra species and their common names are:
The fastest growing Lomandra is Lomandra longifolia, also known as the Spiny-headed mat-rush. It can grow up to 1 metre tall and wide in a year, and it can reach a mature height of 1.5 metres. Lomandra longifolia is a drought-tolerant plant that can thrive in a variety of soil types. It is also relatively low maintenance, making it a good choice for busy gardeners.
There are many hardy Lomandra species, but some of the most popular that can handle heat, drought, cold, and wind include:
The smallest Lomandra in New Zealand is Lomandra 'Little Con'. It grows to a height of only 30 cm and a width of 50 cm. It has fine, grass-like foliage that is green with a hint of yellow. It is a very hardy plant and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, including drought, heat, cold, and wind. It is also very low-maintenance and requires little watering or fertilizing.
The softest Lomandra is Lomandra confertifolia, also known as Coastal mat-rush. It has soft, pliable leaves that are not as sharp as some other Lomandra varieties. Lomandra confertifolia is also a relatively low-growing plant, reaching a height of only about 30-50 cm (12-20 inches). It is a good choice for using in areas where people walk or play.
There are several Lomandra confertifolia varieties grown in New Zealand:
Lomandra confertifolia varieties are all drought and heat tolerant. They are also relatively low-maintenance and can be used in a variety of landscaping applications such as groundcovers and borders.
The most common variegated Lomandra is called Lomandra 'White Sands'. It's a popular and visually striking selection known for its beautiful and variegated foliage.
Lomandra are generally considered to be a drought-tolerant plant, and it does not like to have its roots constantly wet. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually die. Therefore, Lomandra is not well-suited for planting in wet soil. If you are considering planting Lomandra in your garden, it is important to choose a location with well-drained soil. Better options for wet areas are Juncus or Apodasmia.
These short articles provide some insight into how you might use Lomandra in different situations and what you might pair them with.
Lomandra owe their popularity to not just their aesthetics, but also to their versatility. They are commonly mass planted on banks, used to border paths, or grown where other plants often struggle. They are well suited to planting around living areas, pool, and barbecue areas where they provide a fresh appeal. The lush foliage is fantastic for providing elegance and texture to a planting. The Plant Company often uses them as a foundation planting to highlight specimen trees. They can be included in most garden styles with ease and make for an exciting addition. Explore The Plant Company’s range of Lomandra varieties to find the one(s) that will suit your design needs!
A wide range of plants can be grown with Lomandra. The Plant Company often recommends using flaxes and Astelias to bring in different colours, textures, and heights for mass plantings. This avoids what could otherwise become a green carpet. Some popular flax options include Black Rage, Veneer, Yellow Wave, and Dark Delight.
Specimen trees such as Flowering Cherries and Maples are often used with Lomandra plantings. The Lomandra in this instance serve to accentuate the specimen tree. The good thing about Lomandra is that they are versatile and blend easily with most plant colours and textures in a subtle and non-overpowering manner.
The most common alternatives to Lomandra are Carex Frosted Curls and dwarf flaxes. The leaf colouring, plant form, and growing requirements are similar. Alternatives are sometimes sought where allergies to Lomandra are known.
This series of articles answers many of the frequently asked questions about Lomandra Lime Tuff, such as how fast they grow, their hardiness, and more!
Lomandra Lime Tuff is generally a hardy and low-maintenance plant, but like any living thing, it can encounter some challenges. Here are some common problems you might encounter:
Watering issues: - Overwatering: This is the most common issue. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, wilting, mushy stems, and plants turning black. To remedy, ensure good drainage and reduce your watering frequency. - Underwatering: Wilting leaves that are crispy instead of wilted indicate underwatering.
Nutrient deficiency: - Yellowing or unevenly coloured leaves can indicate a nutrient issue. Apply a balanced fertilizer according to instructions in spring or early summer.
Pests and diseases: - Mealybugs will sometimes infest plants. They suck sap and leave a white, cottony residue. They are easily treated with a general insecticide. - Fungal diseases are rare but can occur in overly damp conditions. Improve drainage and consider using a fungicide.
Other potential issues: - Brown leaf tips are caused by underwatering or overwatering generally. - Slow growth can be due to nutrient deficiency, insufficient light, or root restrictions.
Remember: Early detection and intervention are key for managing any problems. Proper watering, drainage, and nutrient balance are essential for preventing most issues.
Lomandra Lime Tuff typically matures to a height of 40-60 cm (1.5-2 feet) and a width of 40-60 cm (1.5-2 feet). It is a fast-growing plant that can reach its mature size in 2-3 years.
Lomandra Lime Tuff is certainly the most popular planted variety of and well-regarded option, but whether it is the "best" is somewhat subjective. Here are some pro’s and con's to help you decide:
Pros of Lomandra Lime Tuff:
Cons of Lomandra Lime Tuff:
Alternatives to consider:
Recommendation:
The Plant Company recommends Lomandra Lime Tuff ahead of other varieties when the client is wanting a fresh looking, colourful, and hardy grass. We, along with many other NZ gardeners and landscape designers regard this as one of, if not the best Lomandra variety.
Lomandra 'Lime Tuff' is a compact and reliable ornamental grass that is highly aesthetic. It features lush, lime-green foliage that is held upright with a slight, gentle arch. Some of its key features include:
Lomandra 'Lime Tuff' is well suited to mass planting, borders, specimen plantings, containers, coastal and modern gardens, and pool areas. It is low maintenance and requires little watering and care once established. It performs well in hot and humid conditions. Overall, it is a great low-maintenance plant that adds a touch of elegance and beauty to any space.
How far apart should I plant my Lomandra ‘Lime Tuff' depends on whether you want them to merge or not. That is, if you plant them closer than 50 cm apart, they will grow into each other and become a dense mass of green foliage. If, on the other hand, you want them to become discrete balls and not merge, they will need to be planted at least 75 cm apart. When The Plant Company designs gardens using Lomandra ‘Lime Tuff’, we generally have them merging to a limited degree, but with the rounded shape also preserved. The planting distance to achieve that look is 65 cm apart. It will take 2-3 years for the plants to reach the desired size, but it does provide a highly aesthetic display.
Lomandra ‘Lime Tuff’ is a versatile and adaptable variety that can be paired with a host of companion plants to create visually appealing and complementary garden arrangements. Here are some suggestions for plants that complement Lomandra well:
There are several reasons why your Lomandra lime tuff might be going yellow:
Caring for Lomandra grasses is about making sure the plants are thriving. Our plant care articles provide the necessary details to give you the greatest chance of success. Afterall, there is nothing worse than putting the effort into planting for them to fail. Therefore, follow our advice and give yourself the best chance of success no matter if they are being grown in the soil or in pots.
The most important part starts with planting, and our article, How To Plant A Lomandra, provides sound advice on how to do this properly. So, let’s now assume your plant is growing well and you want to keep it that way!
Winter is the perfect time for mulching your plants. Organic matter such as compost or sheep pellets should be spread liberally around the plants and then overlaid with mulch. The Plant Company has three very good options for mulch. The first is coco fibre matting which is made from the husks of coconuts. The second is Earth Mat which is made from recycled paper. Both of these break down to become part of the soil within two years. The third is black plastic matting which will last 20 years or more. Whichever mulch is used, The Plant Company recommend stones, bark chip, or other similar products be spread over top for aesthetic purposes. The Plant Company does not recommend adding fertiliser during winter as this is better applied in spring so less is wasted. However, adding organic matter such as compost is quite okay.
Spring is the perfect time for fertilising the plants as they start to bounce into life. The Plant Company has fertilisers which have been specially blended for different plants and in this instance, our garden fertiliser will give them the correct boost and keep them fed for 12-months. A suitable alternative is our organic fertiliser which will also keep them well fed but they will require a secondary application in autumn.
Summer is when the plants need regular watering and this should be undertaken every second day on the hottest days. Plants that are establishing need particular attention as their root system will not have penetrated deep enough to secure consistent moisture yet. Caring for Lomandra in autumn is about keeping the plants healthy. Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken during spring, summer, and autumn if you have time but this is not essential if solid fertiliser and/or good amounts of organic matter have already been applied. If you think the plants need an extra boost or have some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser won’t hurt.
Plants should be checked for pest or disease issues during spring, summer, and autumn. If anything is looking unusual, refer to our articles under Lomandra Issues And Troubleshooting.
Caring for Lomandra ‘Tanika’ is about getting a few of the basics right. That is, make sure it is planted in full sun and that the soil drains well. Heavy, clay soils should be avoided as the plants are more likely to fail than survive. This Australian native does not like too much water, so aim to water only during extended dry periods and while it establishes after planting. A light dressing of garden fertiliser should be applied after planting to the soil surface and once a year thereafter in spring. Don’t overdo the fertiliser as this can burn and damage the roots of the plants. Finally, trim off any dead or sickly leaves to keep the plants tidy. Placing mulch around the plants will help with weed control and make the garden look tidier also. With a little care and attention, you will grow amazing Lomandra longifolia ‘Tanika’ plants.
Lomandra do have problems and disease issues from time to time. Therefore, it is important to understand the underlying issue(s) and have the remedies to fix the problem. The Plant Company have produced this series of articles to help you in the quest for answers to address common Lomandra problems and diseases.
Lomandra do not suffer from pest issues as a general rule. We have seen the odd mealy bug on plants in the nursery but not at levels that would justify spraying them. That said, if pest levels are high and of concern, then a general insecticide can be used for their control. Please always read the label before using any agrichemical.
Grass weeds can be controlled in Lomandra via one of two ways. The first approach is to paint glyphosate onto leaves of the rouge grass. This requires a lot of patience but is very effective. The second method is to dig out the Lomandra, remove the weed inclusions, and then put the plant back. The Plant Company recommends using black plastic matting to reduce weeds returning.
Some varieties of Lomandra such as White Sands may show signs of leaf spot from time to time. This often occurs during hot and humid weather which favours Leaf Spot Fungi. It is often more cosmetic than damaging and the plants will grow through the issue within a few months without any treatment provided conditions change.
Prevention is better than cure for leaf spot diseases. With good air-flow around the plants this issue will rarely present. The other preventative measure is to use low rates of copper fungicide as humid weather sets in.
Leaf yellowing can result from diseases such as Lomandra Leaf Spot, Phytopthora on Lomandra, as well as poor drainage and too much shade. Occasionally, nutritional issues can occur if plants have not been fed for a number of years. This often shows up as discoloured foliage. A liquid fertiliser can be used to correct issues quickly and should be supported with garden fertiliser during spring.
If the new growth on your Lomandra has been killed or damaged by frost, trim off the damaged leaves after the risk of frost has passed. Frost cloth or a blanket may be used to afford protection from further frosts. It is important not to cut off the frosted growth until the risk has passed as this growth, albeit ugly, is helping to shield the plant from further damage.
New shoots tend to be more prone to frost damage than older ones. For this reason, The Plant Company does not recommend applying fertiliser of any kind to plants between mid-autumn and late-winter as this can create softer shoots that are more susceptible to frost.
Small amounts of dead tissue at the ends of older leaves on Lomandra is common. It is generally the result of over-watering or the plants having endured a prolonged period of wet. The leaf tips can be trimmed using scissors and this won’t affect the plant. The longer-term solution is to reduce watering, improve drainage, or both.
The most common disease problem with Lomandras is root rot, which is caused by the fungi, Phytophthora. Phytophthora attacks the roots and causes the plant to eventually die. The tell-tale symptoms are yellowing of the leaves and is often accompanied by wilting of the leaves. This can happen over several months during any season and progressively gets worse. This is all resulting from the root system being progressively weakened by the pathogen. Gardeners will often mistakenly think the plant needs more water. Unfortunately, adding water only accelerates the problem prolonged wetness was generally the cause in the first place.
The best solution to this issue is good drainage. Often the disease will start to show several weeks after a prolonged rain event. It can also occur when plants are regularly over-watered. Therefore, good drainage is essential and sites where drainage is poor should be avoided.
Treatment for Phytophthora can be a hit and miss exercise as there are no silver bullets. However, if picked up early, The Plant Company has experienced some success using Transformer. Transformer does have fungicidal properties and when used as a soil drench 2-3 times, plants can bounce back. However, if the plant is too far gone, The Plant Company recommends removing the plant entirely, and using Transformer as a soil drench before putting in a new plant. Of course, the drainage or watering issues will need to be addressed so the problem does not manifest again.
Nutritional issues can occur from time to time if plants have not been fed for several years. This often shows up as discoloured foliage, which, over time will show dead areas on the leaf. A liquid fertiliser can be used to correct issues quickly and should be supported with garden fertiliser during spring.
Propagating Lomandra plants is a relatively straightforward process when you have the right advice. They are easily reproduced, and our articles give you the best chance of doing this successfully and efficiently.
Lomandra can also be easily grown from seed. Fresh seed is scattered onto growing media and vermiculite is used to cover the seed in a thin layer. The trays are kept warm and moist, with seeds germinating inside of two weeks. NB: Lomandra propagated by seed may differ slightly from the parent plant. This is known as seedling variation and is normal.
Lomandra are generally propagated by division as this keeps the variety pure. Established plants are simply broken apart with roots still attached. This task is usually undertaken any time between late autumn and early spring with plants potted up using growing media for several weeks before planting out again. Take care not to make plants too small as they must have plenty of roots to successfully re-establish.
Choosing a Lomandra variety that works for you can be challenging given the sheer number that are available. Working through the different varieties, their sizes, and preferences, and so on, can take considerable time. The Plant Company’s series of short articles aims to offer concise and easy to follow advice and recommendations so you can determine the variety for your needs.
Lomandra ‘Little Con’ is definitely a good variety and a popular choice for gardens across New Zealand. Landscapers often use this plant where space is limited or a low-maintenance plants with great aesthetics is required. Some important characteristics of this plant include:
Overall, Lomandra ‘Little Con’ is a versatile and low-maintenance option for both small and large gardens. Its compact size, vibrant foliage, and hardy nature make it a popular choice.
Lomandra 'Dalliance' is a popular ornamental grass valued for its attractive foliage, flowers, and low-maintenance requirements. Some of its key characteristics include:
Overall, Lomandra 'Dalliance' is a reliable and easy-to-care-for ornamental grass that provides beauty and texture to your garden. Its versatility and low-maintenance nature make it a popular choice for gardeners of all levels.
Lomandra 'Evergreen Baby' is a tough and compact ornamental grass known for its low maintenance and attractive features. Its key characteristics include:
Lomandra 'Evergreen Baby' is well suited to mass planting, borders, containers, coastal and modern gardens, and pool areas. It is low maintenance and requires little watering and care once established and performs well in hot and humid conditions. Overall, it is a great low-maintenance plant that is ideal for adding a touch of texture and colour to your garden.
Lomandra 'Little Pal' is a compact and graceful Australian native grass prized for its attractive foliage and form. It features light green leaves that billow softly in the breeze. Spiky, yellow flowerheads emerge in summer and add an interesting touch to the plant. Some of its key features include:
Lomandra 'Little Pal' is well suited to mass planting, borders, specimen plantings, containers, coastal and modern gardens, and pool areas. It is low maintenance and requires little watering and care once established and performs well in hot and humid conditions. Overall, it is a great low-maintenance plant that is ideal for creating a lush, textural groundcover.
Lomandra 'Tanika' is a popular and reliable ornamental grass with fine, deep green foliage. Some of its key features include:
Lomandra 'Tanika' is well suited to mass planting, borders, specimen plantings, containers, coastal and modern gardens, and pool areas. It is low maintenance and requires little watering and care once established. It performs well in hot and humid conditions. Overall, it is a great low-maintenance plant that adds a touch of elegance and beauty to any garden.
The Plant Company has a range of Lomandra varieties and the choice depends on the what the plant is to be used for. The most common uses are for growing in a pot, mass planting, adding to a mixed planting, or for planting around outdoor living areas such as pools and the like.
The Plant Company recommends the following varieties based on their popularity and suitability for different uses:
Be sure to check out The Plant Company’s amazing range of Lomandra varieties to find the one(s) that will suit your needs.
The list of Lomandra that The Plant Company has cataloged, worked on, propagated, included in garden designs, and marketed is extensive. Our database of Lomandra varieties is listed below:
Some popular varieties of Lomandra longifolia include:
Lomandra longifolia are versatile plants that can be used in a variety of ways in the garden. They are drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, and can be used as border plants, groundcovers, or grown in a pot.
Lomandra hystrix and Lomandra longifolia are both popular ornamental grasses native to Australia, known for their attractive foliage and low-maintenance nature. While they share many similarities, there are some key differences between the two.
Leaf Shape and Texture: - Lomandra hystrix: Features long, slender leaves with a prominent central tooth and smaller teeth on either side, giving it a distinct W-shape. The leaves are also slightly twisted, giving them a rough texture. - Lomandra longifolia: Has longer, flatter leaves with a pointed tip and no distinct teeth. The leaves are smooth and lack the twisted appearance of Lomandra hystrix.
Growth Habit: - Lomandra hystrix: Forms a dense, tufted clump with an upright to slightly arching growth habit. - Lomandra longifolia: Grows in a more open, spreading manner, creating a more expansive groundcover.
Flowering: - Lomandra hystrix: Produces cream-colored flower spikes in spring and summer. - Lomandra longifolia: Blooms with yellow-cream flower spikes in spring and summer.
Habitat and Tolerance: - Lomandra hystrix: Prefers well-drained soils in sunny or partially shaded locations. It is drought-tolerant and can handle some frost. - Lomandra longifolia: Adapts to a wider range of conditions, including wet or dry soils, full sun to partial shade, and a variety of temperatures.
Landscape Use: - Lomandra hystrix: Commonly used as a border plant, groundcover, or accent in native gardens and landscaping. - Lomandra longifolia: Versatile for use as a groundcover, border plant, erosion control, or in mass plantings.
Lomandra Lime Tuff is a slightly shorter and brighter plant than Lomandra Tanika. The colouring of the Lime Tuff tends to be more lime-green, whereas Tanika lends towards a darker shade of green. Lime Tuff generally grows about 15-20% shorter than Tanika overall. The overall shape, hardiness, and growing requirements are otherwise the same for both varieties. The key differences between the two are afforded in more detail below:
Height and Growth Habit: - Lomandra Tanika: Grows to a height of 60-80 cm (2-3 ft) and has a graceful, arching growth habit. - Lime Tuff: Grows to a slightly shorter height of 40-60 cm (1.5-2 ft) and has a more upright, tufty growth habit.
Foliage Colour: - Lomandra Tanika: Features deep green foliage with a slight blue tinge. - Lime Tuff: Stands out with its vibrant lime-green foliage that adds a cheerful touch to the landscape.
Overall Appearance: - Lomandra Tanika: Creates a lush, cascading effect with its arching foliage, making it a great choice for borders and softening edges. - Lime Tuff: Adds a distinct accent with its upright tufts of bright lime-green leaves, making it an eye-catching addition to gardens and containers.
Suitability: - Lomandra Tanika: Well-suited for a variety of landscape applications, including borders, mass plantings, and as a substitute for lawn in warmer climates. - Lime Tuff: Ideal for adding a pop of colour and texture to gardens, containers, and rock gardens.
Lomandra 'Nyalla' is a popular choice for gardeners for several reasons:
Overall, Lomandra 'Nyalla' is a reliable and easy-care plant that offers year-round beauty and performs well in various conditions.
Lomandra White Sands has become a popular very quickly in New Zealand primarily because of its wonderful aesthetics and hardy nature. Here are some its key features:
Lomandra ‘White Sands' popularity stems from its unique and attractive variegated foliage, compact size, low-maintenance nature, versatility, fast growth, and year-round appeal. Little wonder why it is becoming a favourite among New Zealand gardeners!
Planting Lomandra and getting them to grow well is generally easy when you get a few of the basics right. This involves planting them in the right soil type, choosing the most ideal planting position, selecting the right variety, and ensuring the plants have the essentials to thrive. The Plant Company has the right advice to ensure success when you are growing Lomandra.
Lomandra are very easy to grow, but you need to have the basics right. Choose a sunny spot with good drainage. The soil should be well prepared with organic matter added from either compost or sheep pellets mixed in. Feeding your plants in spring with garden fertiliser will replenish nutrients and keep them fed for 12 months. They should also be watered regularly during extended dry periods to keep them flourishing.
Lomandra can cope with coastal areas provided they are not routinely covered in salt spray. Being constantly coated with sea spray can result in leaf burning. If the soil is too saline, this can also prove detrimental to the plants and result in them becoming stunted. If you elect to plant in this environment, The Plant Company recommends ensuring the soil is well prepared with organic matter such as compost and provide some shelter with regular watering during dry periods.
The answer to this question depends on how much shade. In shaded conditions Lomandra tend to become “leggy” or “floppy” as the leaves compete with each other for light. In full sun they tend to be more compact and denser, with brighter colouring. The brighter colouring is particularly important for Lomandra varieties such as Lime Tuff and Little Lime where their bright colouring is a major attraction. So yes, they will grow in partial shaded conditions such as down the side of a house or under dappled light from a tree, but overall aesthetics are likely to be less than if they were growing in better light.
Lomandra look amazing when managed appropriately in a pot. Choose a pot that is no more than twice the size of what the Lomandra is currently growing in and that has plenty of drainage holes in the bottom. Fill the bottom of the pot to about 1/3 of the way up with potting mix. Do not use soil or compost when growing plants in a container and do not add fertiliser. The Plant Company potting mix has all the nutrients required to sustain the plant for the next 12 months.
Remove the plant from the container it is growing in by either pulling it free or by cutting the bag. We recommend cutting the bag, especially for larger grade plants, to minimise any chance of damaging the roots. If the roots are bound up, you can tease them apart if you want but this is not essential. The Plant Company does not advise cutting through roots, even if the plant is rootbound, as that injures this plant.
Add more potting mix and firm this around the plant using gentle pressure, then water well. They should be watered twice a week during hot weather and weekly or fortnightly during cooler periods. The key to having an amazing Lomandra in a pot is to both keep it fertilised correctly and avoid over-watering.
The distance at which you plant Lomandra grass depends on the variety of Lomandra and the desired effect. For example, if you want to create a dense effect, you will need to plant the Lomandra closer together. If you want to create a more open and airy effect, you can plant them further apart. As a general guide, if you want a dense effect, space the plants 40-50 cm apart. If you want an open and airy effect, space them 70-90 cm apart.
It is important to note that the planting distance for Lomandra grass can also be affected by the size of the mature plant. For example, some varieties can grow up to 2 metres tall and wide, while others only grow up to 1 metre tall and wide. If you are planting a variety of Lomandra that is known to grow large, you will need to plant the plants further apart.
Choose a full sun position with good drainage for your Lomandra. The hole should be dug to at least 50-75% deeper and wider than the container the plant is currently growing in. The Plant Company recommends incorporating compost or sheep pellets into the soil to provide additional organic material, but this is not essential. Do not put fertiliser in the bottom of the hole, rather spread garden fertiliser on the soil surface after planting, and preferably do this when the plant is actively growing in spring.
Placing mulch around Lomandra helps keep the soil moist and significantly reduces weeds. The Plant Company recommends an organic mulch is used as this breaks down over time to provide nutrients and improves the soil. It is also better for the environment than the plastic-based alternatives. Whatever type of mulch is used, it needs to be free draining so the soil can “breathe” and allow water to penetrate quickly and easily. Heavy rates of lawn clippings are therefore not a good option as they hold too much moisture. The Plant Company has three very good options for mulch. The first is coco fibre matting which is made from the husks of coconuts. The second is Earth Mat which is made from recycled paper. Both break down to become part of the soil within two years. The third is black plastic matting which will last 20 years or more. Whichever mulch is used, The Plant Company recommends stones, bark chip, or other similar products be spread over top for aesthetic purposes.
Compost is not considered an effective mulch as weeds germinate easily and it is only short lasting. It is, however, a very good method of adding organic matter to the soil and should be applied before the mulch is put down.
Choose a full sun position with good drainage for your Lomandra plant. The hole should be dug to at least 50-75% deeper and wider than the container the plant is currently growing in. A planting spade makes the hole digging a lot easier. The Plant Company recommends incorporating compost or sheep pellets into the soil to provide additional organic material, but this is not essential. Do not put fertiliser in the bottom of the hole, rather spread that on the soil surface after planting, and preferably do this when the plant is actively growing in spring.
Remove the plant from the container it is growing in by either pulling it free or by cutting the bag. We recommend cutting the bag, especially for larger grade plants, to minimise any chance of damaging the roots. If the roots are bound up, you can tease them apart if you want but this is not essential. The Plant Company does not advise cutting through roots, even if the plant is rootbound, as that injures the plant.
Now place the plant in the hole and make sure it is level with the soil surface before filling in around it. If it is above the soil surface, dig more out. If it is below, put in more soil and retest the level. Once the plant is set level with the soil surface, add more soil gradually and firm it around the plant using gentle pressure as you go. Scatter garden fertiliser across the soil surface after planting and the give the plant a good watering.
Soils rich in fertility and organic matter that are well-drained will produce amazing plants. The soil should be well prepared with either compost or sheep pellets mixed in at planting or spread on the soil surface after planting. It is important that the soil being planted into won’t restrict root growth and for this reason, clay soils are generally not well suited to Lomandra. Clay soils also tend to be very wet which will negatively impact the performance of the plant. A little test that can be done is to dig the hole, fill it with water before the plant goes in, and leave it for 24-hours. If the water is still in the hole, you will need to address the drainage before planting.
Feeding your Lomandra plants in spring with garden fertiliser will replenish nutrients and keep them fed for 12 months. Liberal amounts of organic fertiliser can also be used. Do ensure that plants are watered regularly during dry periods to keep them flourishing.
Only potting mix should be used when plants are grown in a container. Often people will try and cut corners and use soil or mixes that contain both soil and potting mix with poor results. The same applies to when plants are potted up with compost as it holds too much moisture. Soil also contains weeds and tends to become compacted in a container, hence why it is not used in this manner. The Plant Company has nursery grade potting media which is pre-loaded with the correct amounts of fertiliser and micro-nutrients to keep the plant sustained with nutrition and actively growing for the next 12-months. After 12-months, simply add a couple fertiliser tablets to keep the plant fed for the next 12-months.
Lomandra are best planted from mid-autumn until late spring. During this time, they can cope with the stresses associated with planting (root damage mainly) more easily than if they have to also cope with heat and moisture stress as well. They can be planted in summer provided they are well-watered and the roots have plenty of growing media attached when planted. If watering is a challenge, The Plant Company advises planting any time from late-autumn through until early-spring. Make sure you have a good planting spade to make this job a lot easier.
A full sun or partial shade position with good drainage is essential for getting the best results with Lomandra. On poorly drained sites or with over-watering they tend to become stunted and sickly looking. This can cause and result in root rot issues that may eventually kill the plant if drainage is very poor. If you think this might be a problem for you, please refer to the article, Lomandra Diseases.
In shaded conditions Lomandras tend to become “leggy” or “floppy” as the leaves compete for light. In full sun they tend to be more compact and denser, with brighter colouring. The brighter colouring is particularly important for Lomandra varieties such as Lime Tuff and Little Lime where their bright colouring is a major attraction. The planting position should also be moderately sheltered which will help both with establishment and to produce a better shaped plant overall. This is not essential as they can cope well with wind.
Decisions about when to prune Lomandra, how to cut them back, and how hard, and even how to do this task can be daunting for the novice gardener. The Plant Company have produced this series of articles to provide advice for trimming Lomandra so you can manicure your plants with confidence and success.
Most Lomandra varieties will sprout new shoots when cut right back, even to clumps close to ground level. However, this relies on the plant having heathy shoots at the outset. This activity is best undertaken during spring or summer using secateurs. Please note: Lomandra grown in shade environments may struggle to re-establish when cut back severely.
Lomandra are generally only trimmed to remove unsightly leaves or cut back more aggressively to rejuvenate or control a plant. This is best done during spring or summer when plants are moving to active growth. Aggressive trimming usually involves cutting plants back to 5-10 cm above the soil level. Lomandra are very forgiving plants and even if you get the trimming wrong, they will generally recover! Unfortunately, there is a risk of plants dying after such aggressive trimming. This will sometimes occur if the plants were diseased or suffering nutritional deficiencies ahead of trimming. In these cases, the plant wouldn’t have had the energy to resume active growth.
Light trimming can involve cutting the brown tips off plants, cutting out yellow or sickly-looking leaves, or even thinning out the foliage. This can be done at any time.
Lomandra can be trimmed at any time of the year, though spring is the time recommended by The Plant Company for any aggressive cutting back. The plants sprout from the base and at this time of year the risk of frost should have passed, and they are ready to bounce into active growth with the warming weather. Light trimming to remove unsightly foliage can occur at any time of year.
Watering Lomandra correctly is an important part of growing amazing plants. Importantly, making sure they get enough without being over-watered is paramount. Our articles provide the know-how on this subject.
Lomandra are lush plants, and the foliage requires good soil moisture during dry periods to stay fresh and keep growing actively. They are generally regarded as drought tolerant but will benefit from watering both during establishment and during extended dry periods. The Plant Company recommends a generous watering every third day during summer, or every fifth day if the soil is a bit heavier. If plants start to droop, you need to water immediately. The Plant Company advises watering in the morning or in the evening for water conservation purposes. Please be sure to read the article, Lomandra Diseases, as over-watering can have unintended consequences!
During extended dry periods Lomandra may stop growing to preserve themselves. This is clearly not desirable if you are still wanting them to grow. They will start growing again once rain or water is provided and as long as they have not been allowed to totally desiccate.
If the Lomandra is being grown in a pot, watering twice a week during summer and once a fortnight during winter is the general rule. This will depend on how hot the growing environment is and the size of the plant.
Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.
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