Designer Leaf™ Lomandra

Designer Leaf Lomandra (Lomandra longifolia 'Designer Leaf') is a low, fine leaved native tussock for places where a lomandra is wanted but height is not. It grows about 45cm high and 50cm wide in a dense, round clump of soft lime green foliage that arches and weeps as it matures, and it carries masses of bright golden flowers in spring. It is an Ozbreed line, kept low enough for clear lines of sight beside roads and driveways.

Why you'll love it

• Fine, soft texture. The narrow, brush like leaves give the clump a plush look, a strong contrast with broad leaved plants and hard paving.
• Low for line of sight. At about 45cm it stays below the sight line at driveways, corners and roadsides.
• Masses of golden flowers. Bright golden flowers in spring sit over the lime green foliage.
• A tidy round clump. The dense, rounded habit needs no shaping and settles into a weeping dome as it matures.
• Holds a slope. Ozbreed lists slopes and retaining walls among its uses, and lomandra roots bind soil well.

Where it works best

Borders along fences and driveways. A single row 45cm apart makes a soft, even edge, about two plants per metre of row. It stays low enough to keep views clear.

Mass or group planting. Plant 45cm apart in offset rows, about five plants per square metre. The clumps join within two seasons and cover the ground with a fine, even texture.

Slopes and retaining walls. The same 45cm grid holds soil on a bank and softens the hard edge at the top or foot of a wall.

Growing Designer Leaf Lomandra in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to moderate shade. Ozbreed lists it for New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, the ACT, Tasmania and Western Australia, so it suits warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens. It is not listed for Queensland.

Soil. Most garden soils suit it provided they drain. Keep the crown at or just above soil level and never bury it under mulch.

Water and feed. Water regularly while it establishes, then it largely lives on rain, as lomandras do. Fertilise well at planting and again each year, because feeding is what gives the fuller, more ornamental form.

Pruning. None year to year. Every three to four years cut the clump back to about 10cm high in late winter, and it reshoots fresh.

What to expect when it arrives

Designer Leaf Lomandra is sold as tube stock, in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tubes suit a large mass planting, the packs of 10 give a quicker border, and the 200mm pots give the fullest clump from day one. Stock comes from Ozbreed's licensed growers and is not always available: a size shows as sold out when no grower has it, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back. Lomandra settles fast in warm soil, with new growth within weeks.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• The complete Lomandra longifolia care guide
• Browse the full lomandra range
• See every Ozbreed plant we stock
• Plants for retaining walls and banks

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 45cm apart for a dense mass planting, about five plants per square metre. For a border, use a single row at the same spacing.

How tall will it stay?

About 45cm high and 50cm wide. That low height is why it suits line of sight beside driveways and roadsides.

When should I cut it back?

Every three to four years, if it looks tired. Cut it to about 10cm high in late winter and it regrows cleanly.