How to Grow Lomandra (Mat Rush)
Lomandra (Mat Rush)
Lomandra longifolia
grassLomandra is a hardy, clumping native Australian grass prized for its attractive strappy green foliage and low-maintenance growth habit. It produces small yellowish flowers on tall spikes and is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established. This ornamental grass works well in gardens, landscapes, and as a groundcover or accent plant.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Lomandra (Mat Rush) in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Lomandra (Mat Rush) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Lomandra (Mat Rush)
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Lomandra (Mat Rush)
Around Oct 14≈ 180 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lomandra (Mat Rush) dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 9-11; highly cold-sensitive below zone 8
Sign up free to see if Lomandra (Mat Rush) grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Lomandra (Mat Rush) timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
3-6 monthsYoung plant with sparse foliage clumps; shallow root system developing
Water regularly (2-3 times weekly); mulch lightly around base to retain moisture; protect from temperature extremes
Vegetative Growth
6-12 monthsClumps expand with increasing green strappy leaves; new shoots emerge from rhizomes
Reduce watering frequency as roots deepen; minimal feeding needed; remove any dead foliage
Maturation
Ongoing after 12-18 monthsFull-sized clump (1-2 feet tall/wide) with dense foliage; plant achieves mature form
No supplemental water needed in most climates; yearly light pruning to remove dead leaves; plant is now fully drought-tolerant
Flowering
Spring-summer (2-3 months depending on climate)Tall spikes (to 3+ feet) emerge above foliage with small yellow or white tubular flowers
Allow flowers to develop for ornamental interest; deadhead if self-seeding is unwanted; flowers attract pollinators
Seed Production
Summer-fall (ongoing until dispersal)Flowers fade to seed heads; small dark seeds develop in capsules
Leave seed heads for wildlife food and winter interest, or remove to prevent volunteer seedlings; seeds disperse naturally
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
and
Hand-pick early morning or evening; use copper tape barriers; encourage natural predators (beetles, hedgehogs)
-
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; improve soil aeration; remove affected portions if detected early
-
Increase humidity with occasional misting; spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil if severe
-
Remove affected leaves; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply fungicide only in severe cases
Uses
Landscape and Erosion Control
HouseholdLomandra's extensive rhizome system stabilizes slopes and prevents soil erosion while providing year-round visual interest with minimal maintenance. Its dense growth habit makes it ideal for difficult-to-manage garden areas. [source]
Habitat and Pollinator Support
WildlifeFlowers attract native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators; seed heads provide food for birds and wildlife; dense foliage offers shelter for small creatures and beneficial insects. [source]
Traditional Indigenous Use
CulinaryAboriginal Australians traditionally harvested Lomandra seeds and rhizomes as food sources; seeds were ground into flour for cooking. Modern culinary applications remain minimal but reflect deep cultural heritage. [source]
Weaving and Basketry
CraftLong, flexible leaves have been traditionally used by Indigenous Australian peoples for weaving baskets, mats, and other crafts. The strappy foliage is suitable for contemporary fiber arts. [source]
Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
HouseholdRequires virtually no irrigation once established, making it excellent for water-conservation gardens, xeriscaping, and low-input landscape design in arid and semi-arid regions. [source]
Harvest Tips
Lomandra is ornamental; harvest seeds by collecting mature seed heads in late summer/fall when capsules turn brown and split. Cut seed heads with stems and dry indoors, then shake seeds into paper bags. Divide mature clumps in spring for propagation.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Lomandra is endemic to Australia and has been used by Aboriginal peoples for thousands of years as both a food and craft material.
- 🌱 The plant's dense rhizomatous root system can stabilize steep slopes and has been successfully used in large-scale erosion control and land rehabilitation projects.
- 🌱 Despite its spiky appearance, Lomandra is soft and non-toxic, making it safe around children and pets—a major advantage over many ornamental grasses.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Lomandra (Mat Rush) planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Lomandra (Mat Rush) seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Lomandra (Mat Rush) timeline →