A popular Australian native strappy-leaf plant forming fine-textured weeping clumps of bright green foliage with scented yellow flower spikes. Extremely tough, drought- and frost-hardy, and ideal for mass plantings.
At a glance
- Plant type: Ornamental grass
- Mature size: 60 cm H × 60 cm W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Tanika Mat Rush
Lomandra longifolia 'Tanika' is an fast-growing ornamental grass in the Asparagaceae family, native to Australia. It reaches around 60 cm tall and 60 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Yellow flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Tanika Mat Rush
Tanika Mat Rush suits subtropical, warm-temperate, cool-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Tanika Mat Rush does best in clay, sandy and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Tanika Mat Rush is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Tanika Mat Rush after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Tanika Mat Rush in the garden
Tanika Mat Rush earns its place for holding soil on banks and slopes, a feature or specimen planting and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Tanika Mat Rush with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and subtropical climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Tanika Mat Rush
Plant Sale lists Tanika Mat Rush as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.