The Lomandra Breeze, a popular cultivar of Lomandra longifolia, is an evergreen perennial widely used in modern, water-wise landscape designs. This Australian native is often referred to as Dwarf Mat Rush due to its finely textured, strap-like foliage that creates an attractive, fountain-shaped clump. Its durability and low-maintenance nature have made it a favored alternative to traditional ornamental grasses. The plant provides year-round emerald-green color and a graceful, arching form, typically reaching a mature size of about three feet tall and wide.
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
This perennial exhibits adaptability regarding sunlight, performing well in conditions ranging from full sun to moderate partial shade. In environments with intense summer heat, planting in a location that receives afternoon shade can help prevent foliage stress and maintain a deeper green color.
The plant is unfussy about soil composition and can thrive in poor, rocky, sandy, or clay soils, provided one requirement is met: impeccable drainage. While it tolerates a wide range of soil pH, it will not tolerate constantly soggy conditions or standing water, which can lead to root rot.
When preparing the planting site, dig the hole at least twice as wide as the plant’s root ball. Amending the soil is usually unnecessary due to the plant’s robust nature, which is adapted to nutrient-poor Australian soils. If the existing soil is heavy clay, incorporating coarse material like pine bark mulch can significantly improve aeration and water percolation. After planting, ensure the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding grade to prevent water from pooling around the crown.
Routine Watering and Feeding Schedule
For the first six to twelve weeks after planting, or throughout the first full growing season, deep and regular watering is necessary to encourage a strong, extensive root system. Apply water deeply enough to soak the entire root zone, allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Once the plant has become fully established, its watering needs decrease substantially, reflecting its natural drought tolerance. Mature Lomandra Breeze requires minimal supplemental irrigation, often thriving solely on natural rainfall in many climates. Overwatering is the most frequent cause of decline for this species, so continuous moisture at the root level must be avoided.
Lomandra Breeze is a light feeder and generally has low nutritional requirements, meaning a regular fertilization schedule is rarely necessary. If growth seems sluggish, a single, light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied in early spring as new growth begins. Distribute the granular fertilizer evenly around the base of the plant, ensuring it does not touch the foliage, and water it in thoroughly.
Pruning and Seasonal Maintenance
Unlike many ornamental grasses that require annual hard cutting, Lomandra Breeze is an evergreen perennial that maintains a neat appearance with minimal intervention. The primary goal of pruning is to remove old, dead, or damaged foliage blades that accumulate over time, preserving the plant’s clean, arching form. This grooming task can be accomplished by raking out the dead material or selectively cutting individual discolored leaves at the base.
For older clumps that have become overly dense or untidy, a more significant rejuvenation pruning may be performed. This involves cutting the entire plant back hard, typically to within six to eight inches of the ground. The optimal time for this major cutback is during late winter or early spring, just before the onset of vigorous new seasonal growth.
Lomandra Breeze is relatively cold-hardy, surviving temperatures down to approximately 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit once mature. In the cooler zones of its tolerance range, applying a layer of organic mulch around the plant’s base can help insulate the roots from extreme cold. The plant can be divided to manage its size or to propagate new plants, which is typically done during the spring.