Shara Lomandra

Shara Lomandra (Lomandra fluviatilis 'Shara') is the fine leaved native tussock to reach for when a planting has to look good and then be forgotten. It holds a soft weeping mound about 0.5m tall and 0.5m wide, far finer in the leaf than the common longleaf lomandras. Planted 50cm apart it closes into a continuous low sweep that suppresses weeds and needs cutting back about once a year.

Why you'll love it

• It survives what kills other grasses. Drought, heat, frost, salt spray and poor soil are all within range, which is why landscapers use it on hard sites.
• Fine and soft, not spiky. The narrow weeping leaves have none of the rasp of the bigger lomandras, so it suits a path edge or a seating area.
• Pet friendly. Not toxic to cats or dogs, and tough enough to take a large dog walking through it.
• Wet or dry, it copes. It handles a dry bank and periodic wet feet, so it works in a swale or a bed that floods after storms.

Where it works best

Mass planting and groundcover. Plant 50cm apart for a dense unbroken sweep. The clumps meet in the second season and the shade they cast keeps weed germination down.

Borders and edging. The same 50cm spacing gives a soft even line along a path, and the weeping habit hides the mulch line.

Slopes and retaining walls. The fibrous roots bind soil on a batter or the top of a wall, and once away it holds without irrigation.

Growing Shara Lomandra in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun for the tightest habit, part shade for a looser one. It is at home in subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean and arid gardens, and it is frost hardy, which sets it apart from most strappy leaf plants.

Soil. Anything from sand to clay, including poor compacted ground. Improve heavy soil with a little compost, mulch 50mm deep between plants, and do not bury the crown.

Water and feed. Water weekly through the first summer to get the roots down, then only in long dry spells. Native fertiliser once in early spring is all it wants, and it flowers cream without any help.

Pruning. Cut the clump back by about half in late winter every year or two, with shears or a line trimmer. It reshoots quickly and comes back tighter than before.

What to expect when it arrives

We grow it as tube stock and in 140mm pots sold in packs of ten. Tubes are small, often a single fan of leaves, and they are the sensible buy for a large mass planting because they cost far less per square metre. The 140mm plants are more advanced and look finished a season sooner.

Strappy foliage can arrive creased from transit, which is cosmetic and grows out with the first flush. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Expect new growth within four to six weeks in the warmer months, and full cover by the second season, backed by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• See the full lomandra range.
• Read our guide to growing and caring for lomandra.
• Compare other plants for mass planting.
• Browse plants for retaining walls and slopes.

Common questions

How many do I need per square metre?

At 50cm spacing, four plants per square metre. That is the density to use for weed suppressing cover on a bank or in a bed.

Is it safe for dogs and cats?

Yes. It is not toxic to pets, and the soft foliage does not cut or scratch the way coarser lomandras can.

How often does it need cutting back?

Every year or two, to about half its height in late winter. Skip it and the clump builds a thatch of old leaves in the centre.

Will it handle frost and drought?

Both. It is frost hardy and drought tolerant once established, so it suits inland and cool temperate gardens as well as coastal ones.