Tanika Lomandra

Tanika Lomandra (Lomandra longifolia 'Tanika') is the fine leaf native strappy plant Australian landscapers reach for first. It forms a soft, weeping green clump about 60cm tall and wide that stays neat without trimming, and it keeps that composure through drought, wet feet, salt spray, frost and poor soil. If you need one plant to repeat across a whole garden, this is the safest choice in the country.

Why you'll love it

• Neat without effort. The fine arching foliage holds a tidy dome shape year round, so there is no annual cutting back just to keep it presentable.
• Survives both extremes. It tolerates drought and periodic wet feet, a rare combination that forgives poor drainage and forgotten watering alike.
• Truly national. It grows in tropical, subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean climates, and it is frost hardy.
• An easy care native. Fine yellow flower spikes sit low in the foliage in spring, and the plant asks for almost nothing in return.
• Safe around pets. It is considered non toxic to cats and dogs.

Where it works best

Mass planting. Plant 60cm apart for a solid, even cover. At that spacing the clumps knit together within a couple of seasons while each plant keeps its form.

Borders and edging. The soft foliage spills just enough to blur a hard edge along paths and driveways without flopping across them.

Slopes and retaining walls. The fibrous root system binds soil on banks, and the plant tolerates the dry, exposed conditions slopes create. Use the same 60cm spacing.

Pots. A single clump fills a 400mm container with movement and stays in scale for years.

Growing Tanika Lomandra in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade in every Australian climate zone. Growth is densest in sun, a little looser and greener in shade. Frost does not bother it.

Soil. Any soil that will grow anything: sand, loam or clay, acid or alkaline, fertile or poor. It tolerates soggy patches that kill most natives, so drainage problems are not a reason to avoid it.

Water and feed. Water weekly through the first summer, then leave it to the weather. A native slow release fertiliser in spring speeds establishment but is optional after that.

Pruning. None routinely. If a clump looks tired after many years, cut the whole plant back to about 15cm in late winter and it will reshoot fresh.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Tanika as single tubes and in multi plant packs: 140mm pots in packs of 10, 175mm pots in packs of 6 and 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tubes are the value pick for large runs and catch up quickly; the potted packs give fuller cover on day one. Strappy plants travel well, so expect yours to arrive in good order. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. New growth shows within a few weeks in warm weather, and every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Read our complete guide to lomandra care.
• Browse the full lomandra range.
• Compare options in grasses and strappy leaf plants.
• Explore more Australian native plants.

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

60cm apart for a solid mass planting or border. Wider spacing at 80cm still reads as a row but keeps each clump distinct.

Does it ever need cutting back?

Not on a schedule. Unlike many strappy plants it holds a clean shape for years. If an old clump browns off, one hard cut to 15cm in late winter renews it.

Will it cope with a boggy spot?

Yes, within reason. Tanika tolerates periodic wet feet as well as drought, which makes it useful along drainage lines and in heavy soils where other natives rot.

Is it safe for dogs and cats?

Yes, it is considered non toxic to pets. The leaf edges are soft too, so it is a comfortable plant beside lawns and play areas.