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How to Grow Lomandra 'Platinum Stripe'

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Lomandra 'Platinum Stripe'

Lomandra longifolia 'Platinum Stripe'

grass

Lomandra 'Platinum Stripe' is an ornamental grass native to Australia featuring distinctive narrow, silvery-striped evergreen foliage that forms dense clumps. This hardy, low-maintenance perennial produces small clusters of fragrant yellow flowers in late spring and early summer. It's prized for its striking foliage contrast, drought tolerance once established, and year-round visual interest.

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Example Lomandra 'Platinum Stripe' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Lomandra 'Platinum Stripe'

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Lomandra 'Platinum Stripe'

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lomandra 'Platinum Stripe' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily for best color striping
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Water: Water regularly during establishment (first 6-12 months), then drought-tolerant. Once established, water occasionally during dry spells. Avoid overwatering; prefers drier conditions.
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Spacing: 24 inches
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Days to maturity: 180-365 (ornamental grasses mature slowly; full landscape effect takes 1-2 years)
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Planting depth: Same depth as container; crown should be at soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Coarse sand for drainage Perlite or pumice Minimal organic matter (avoid heavy mulch)

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 8b-11b; tolerates light frost but prefers warmer climates

8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

3-6 months

Small transplants develop root system; foliage is compact with visible platinum striping.

Water regularly but allow soil to dry between waterings. Protect from extreme heat during first summer. Avoid fertilizing heavily.

2

Vegetative Growth

6-18 months

Plant expands outward, developing more shoots and fuller clumps; striping becomes more prominent.

Maintain consistent but moderate watering. Apply light, slow-release fertilizer in spring if desired. Mulch lightly around base, avoiding crown.

3

Flowering

4-8 weeks (late spring to early summer)

Small cream to pale yellow flower spikes emerge from the foliage clump, lightly fragrant.

No special care needed. Flowers attract beneficial insects. Deadhead spent flowers if desired for appearance, though not necessary.

4

Maturity

Ongoing; 2+ years

Fully established dense clump with consistent striped foliage and reliable annual flowering.

Minimal watering once established (drought-tolerant). Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring if desired for renewal. Otherwise, leave undisturbed.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Agapanthus Gaura Salvia Lavender Grevillea Westringia Desert rose Ornamental succulents

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring frequent deep watering (most shade-loving perennials) Aggressive spreading groundcovers Trees with heavy shade that blocks sunlight

Common Pests

  • Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering and waterlogging. Use well-draining potting mix for container plants. Remove affected portions if needed.

  • Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Increase humidity slightly around plant.

  • Remove manually with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.

  • Prune off heavily infested foliage; spray with horticultural oil during dormant season or early spring.

Uses

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Landscape & Garden Design

Ornamental

Its striking platinum-striped foliage provides year-round color contrast in mixed borders, containers, and xeriscaping. The variegated pattern adds visual interest even when not flowering. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Fragrant yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators in late spring and early summer. The dense foliage also provides shelter and nesting material for birds and beneficial insects. [source]

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Dried Floral Arrangements

Household

Flowering spikes can be cut and dried for long-lasting indoor arrangements and craft projects. The delicate texture adds interest to dried bouquets. [source]

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Traditional Indigenous Uses

Medicinal

Some Lomandra species have been used in traditional Aboriginal medicine, though 'Platinum Stripe' is primarily grown ornamentally in modern gardens. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Ornamental grass is not harvested for food. For floral arrangements, cut flowering spikes in late spring when blooms are fully open. Cut foliage can be used in dried arrangements. Remove dead or damaged foliage year-round as needed.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Lomandra is native to Australia and has been used by Aboriginal peoples for thousands of years; some species provide edible seeds and fiber for basket-weaving.
  • 🌱 The 'Platinum Stripe' cultivar was developed for ornamental horticulture to enhance the visual appeal of the naturally occurring species with its distinctive silvery variegation.
  • 🌱 Despite appearing delicate, Lomandra is extremely tough and can tolerate poor soil, drought, coastal salt spray, and even fire, making it an excellent choice for challenging garden locations.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Crown Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Perennial Transplant
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