Katrinus Deluxe Lomandra

Katrinus Deluxe Lomandra (Lomandra longifolia 'Katrinus Deluxe') is the improved form of Katrinus, with bigger flowers and a denser, more compact tussock. It grows to about 70cm high and 70cm wide, holds fine arching green foliage all year, and once established lives on natural rain in most of the country. Ozbreed bred it for mass planting, and a sweep of it is one of the simplest native plantings you can make.

Why you'll love it

• Bigger, scented flowers. Yellow flower spikes in spring are larger than on the original Katrinus and carry the sweet lomandra scent.
• Lives on rain. Established plants need no irrigation except a top up in extreme drought.
• Holds soil together. In a 2007 soil strength study its root system strengthened soil by up to 366 per cent, so it stabilises banks and batters.
• Compact and tidy. The dense, even habit means a mass planting reads as one surface rather than a row of individuals.
• Frost hardy, drought tolerant and pet friendly. It handles cold winters and dry summers, and lomandra is safe around cats and dogs.

Where it works best

Mass planting. Plant 50cm apart in offset rows, two to six plants per square metre. At 50cm the tussocks meet within two seasons and suppress most weeds beneath them.

Borders and edging. A single row at 50cm to 65cm spacing gives a soft, even edge along a path or driveway that stays below knee height.

Slopes and batters. The same 50cm grid across a bank holds the soil while the fine foliage softens the slope.

Specimen clumps. Three plants among boulders or beside a dry creek bed look deliberate without any fuss.

Growing Katrinus Deluxe Lomandra in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to moderate shade. It is recommended for New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and Queensland, which covers subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean and arid gardens. In Queensland keep it out of low spots that hold water after summer storms.

Soil. Sandy, sandy loam and clay soils all suit it, provided they drain. Plant with the crown at or just above soil level and never bury it under mulch, which is the one sure way to lose a lomandra.

Water and feed. Water as required for the first 8 to 13 weeks until established, then leave it to the weather with an occasional deep drink in extreme drought. A slow release fertiliser in spring is optional.

Pruning. None needed for years. After about seven years, if it looks tired, cut it back to 20cm or half its height in late winter and it regrows fresh by summer.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Katrinus Deluxe Lomandra in 140mm pots in packs of 10, the standard size for a massed drift or a border run. Plants travel upright in their pots and settle quickly. Expect new growth within weeks in the warmer half of the year and a full 70cm tussock by the second season.

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
• More plants for mass planting

Common questions

How is it different from Katrinus?

Katrinus Deluxe has bigger flowers and a denser, more compact form. The size and the toughness are the same.

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 50cm apart for a dense mass planting, or up to 70cm where you want each tussock to show. For a border, use a single row at 50cm to 65cm.

Will it cope with wet ground?

No. It wants drainage, and Ozbreed advises against planting it in low lying areas that hold water, especially in Queensland. For a wet site choose Katie Belles Lomandra instead.