Grass Tree 310 Lomandra

Grass Tree 310 Lomandra (Lomandra 'Grass Tree 310') is the strappy native for a bed that has to look tidy with almost no input. It forms an upright arching clump about 80cm tall and 90cm wide, green all year, with short scented yellow flower spikes in spring.

Why you'll love it

• Wet or dry, it copes. Drought tolerant and wet feet tolerant, so one plant suits a baking slope and a bed that puddles after storms.
• A very wide climate range. Tropical through to cool temperate and arid gardens all suit it, and it is frost hardy rather than frost tender.
• Poor soil is no obstacle. Thin sand, builder's fill and heavy clay all grow it, which is why it turns up on so many new estates.
• Salt tolerant. Coastal spray does not brown the leaf tips, so seaside blocks and pool surrounds are comfortable ground.

Where it works best

Mass planting. Plant 60cm apart and the clumps knit into continuous cover within two seasons, with room for each plant to arch properly rather than stand up crowded.

Borders and edging. A mature height of about 80cm defines a path edge or driveway strip without blocking the view across the garden.

Slopes, walls and poolside. Fibrous roots bind soil on a batter, the arching habit softens a hard block wall top, and salt tolerance makes it a sensible pool surround.

Growing Grass Tree 310 Lomandra in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the tightest clump; part shade is accepted with a looser habit. Being frost hardy it needs no cover in a frosting district, where growth simply pauses over the coldest weeks.

Soil. Almost anything works, including compacted, low fertility ground, and wet feet are tolerated. Mulch 50mm deep and keep it back from the crown.

Water and feed. Water twice a week for the first two months, then only through long dry spells. A light native slow release fertiliser in early spring is plenty, since overfeeding gives soft leaves that flop open.

Pruning. Cut the clump to about 15cm every second or third year in late winter and it reshoots within weeks. In between, pull browned leaves out by hand.

What to expect when it arrives

This selection is grown in tube stock only. Each tube holds one young plant with a small fan of leaves, usually under 20cm tall, a long way short of the photograph. Tubes are the cheapest way to plant a large area and they establish quickly, because the roots have never been checked by a pot.

Expect a useful clump by the second season and full size in the third. Delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95, under our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Read the complete lomandra care guide.
• Compare varieties across the full lomandra range.
• Browse other grasses and strappy leaf plants.
• See what else suits large scale mass planting.

Common questions

How many plants do I need per square metre?

At 60cm spacing, about three per square metre. Planting tighter does not close the gap much faster and leaves mature clumps fighting for room.

Is this the same thing as a true grass tree?

No. True grass trees are Xanthorrhoea species that build a woody trunk over decades. This is a lomandra named for the similar tufted look, and it reaches full size in about three years.

How often does it need cutting back?

Every second or third year. Cut it to roughly 15cm in late winter before spring growth starts and it will be fully furnished again within a couple of months.

Will it grow in a frosty garden?

Yes. It is frost hardy and grows in cool temperate gardens without protection, so tableland and southern sites are fine. Expect it to sit still through winter.