Long Leaf Lomandra

Long Leaf Lomandra (Lomandra longifolia) is the toughest all rounder in Australian landscaping. This native tussock grows to about 1m tall and 1m wide, arching strappy green foliage that holds its shape through drought, frost, salt wind, poor soil and even waterlogged ground. Councils and landscapers mass plant it by the thousand for one reason: once established, it simply does not need you.

Why you'll love it

• It survives nearly everything. Drought tolerant, frost hardy, coastal and salt tolerant, comfortable in wet feet and unfussed by poor soil. Few plants in the country carry that full list.
• A true local. Native to eastern Australia, it supports local wildlife while looking deliberately designed.
• Scented spring flower spikes. Golden yellow and cream flower spikes rise through the foliage, carrying a light honey fragrance.
• Safe for pets. A pet friendly plant, so it can line paths and play areas in family gardens.
• Roots that hold ground. The dense, fibrous root system binds banks and batters, which is why it anchors so many erosion plantings.

Where it works best

Mass planting. Plant 60cm apart in offset rows for a dense, flowing sweep. At that spacing the tussocks merge within two seasons and suppress most weeds beneath them.

Slopes and retaining walls. On banks too steep or dry to garden, the same 60cm grid stabilises soil while softening the hard lines of walls.

Coastal gardens. Salt wind that burns most foliage leaves it untouched, so it carries beachside plantings to the dune line.

Borders and edging. A single row makes a soft, weeping edge along driveways and paths, tough enough to shrug off a stray wheel.

Growing Long Leaf Lomandra in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. It thrives across subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean and arid climates, which covers most of the country outside the true tropics.

Soil. Almost anything: sand, loam or clay, acid or alkaline, fertile or poor. It tolerates both boggy patches and baked dry ground, a combination almost nothing else offers.

Water and feed. Water weekly through the first summer, then leave established plants to the weather in all but the longest dry spells. A native slow release fertiliser in spring is optional rather than necessary.

Pruning. None needed year to year. Every three to five years, cut the whole tussock back to about 15cm in late winter and it reshoots fresh and full by summer.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Long Leaf Lomandra as tube stock, in 140mm pots in packs of 10, in 175mm pots in packs of 6 and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tubes are the standard choice for large scale mass planting and establish fast in warm soil, while the potted packs give an instant edge. Expect new growth within weeks in the warmer half of the year.

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
• More Australian native plants
• See Tanika Lomandra for a finer, softer form

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 60cm apart for a dense massed effect, or stretch to 80cm where you want each tussock to read individually. For edging, a single row at 60cm gives a continuous line.

Can I cut it back hard?

Yes. Cut the whole plant to about 15cm in late winter every few years and it regrows cleanly from the base. This is the easiest way to renew a tired planting.

Will it cope with both wet and dry spots?

Yes, that is its party trick. It tolerates periodic waterlogging and hard drought once established, handling the winter swale and the summer bank alike.

Is it suitable for the tropics?

We recommend it for subtropical climates and south. In the true tropics, high rainfall and heat suit other native tussocks better.

Is it safe for dogs and cats?

Yes, it is pet friendly. The strappy leaves stand up to garden traffic and a chewed tip is harmless.