Mat Rush
Very attractive foliage Lomandra confertifolia is another wonderful native clump forming grass commonly called ‘Mat Rush’, however it does differ from other Lomandra species in growing habit.
In its natural environment this is an understory plant which explains its requirements.
Wonderful weeping foliage to around 70 cm depending on variety.
This is a species that in general requires a little more water and little more shade than some, it does not make them any less useful in landscaping, just different in requirements.
Slower growing and with a less vigorous habit they are better suited to feature planting.
Having said that if you wish to mass plant then look for larger plants and take care when planting.
Lomandra confertifolia Varieties and cultivars
With many cultivars now released height and form will vary. The species will reach around up to 1m although even this is variable.
- Wingarra – One of the more robust cultivars to around 40cm
- Frosty Top – To around 35cm, very fine foliage with a tinge of grey
- Seascape – to around 70 cm in height
- Dwarf – A lovely low growing cultivar to around 30cm, lime green foliage and an excellent companion for Acacia cognate. A neat little border plant
- Floral Cascade – good weeping foliage
- Crackerjack – new foliage blue, turning to green
- Tilga – To around 70cm deep green foliage, a little more upright but still slightly weeping, most attractive.
Lomandra confertifolia Care
This is a hardy Australian native which is adaptable to a wide range of soils and growing conditions, dry to damp soils, sun to part shade and poor soils as well. However ideal growing conditions will enhance the growth.
Try for a humus rich well drained soil, be a little careful with fertiliser, a slow release native plant fertiliser which is low in phosphorus will be best, however as these are an undemanding plant do not over fertilise.
Lomandra confertifolia will grow well in containers and provides a low maintenance solution to many landscaping and mass planting situations.
Planting
- These are plants that naturally grow in a woodland situation so look for part shade for these attractive grass like plants, afternoon shade is excellent.
- Although they do not require a lot of water they do like protection from hot baking sun
Pruning
- Very little maintenance required. If clumps become untidy they can be pruned back hard to rejuvenate old or damaged foliage. Best pruned just before new spring growth appears.
Propagation
- Clumps can be divided in late winter to spring, plant into a moist soil and maintain moisture until established.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Lomandra confertifolia
- Common Name – Mat Rush
- Position – Part shade.
- Soil – Well drained with some moisture during dry summers.
- Height – To around .5 metre
- Spread – To around .5 metre
- Flowers – Cream with a sweet fragrance.
- Flowering Time – Spring to summer
- Foliage – Mid green, narrow.
- Frost tolerant – Light frosts only.
- Drought tolerant – Medium