Lomandra confertifolia

Lomandra Lime Tuff (foreground)

Lomandra is a type of rhizomatous rush, and belongs to the Asparagaceae family, which contains many tough, drought-tolerant plants suited to the Sydney climate. There are 52 accepted species and numerous cultivars, with a range of forms. I find the ordinary types of evergreen Lomandra pretty uninspiring, but some of the newer ones appear to be great little plants. The species Lomandra confertifolia contains some interesting plants, which will grow in sun or part-shade and cope with dryness and frost.

Lomandra Seascape

Lomandra Seascape

Lomandra confertifolia subsp. pallida, sold as 'Lime Tuff' (ht 50-70 cm), has lovely slim, lime-green foliage, and looks good nearby the chartreuse bracts of Euphorbia corallioides (as shown above). Lomandra confertifolia subsp. rubiginosa, sold as 'Seascape' (ht 50 cm), has very fine blue-grey leaves; it looks very effective in seaside gardens and when grown with Mediterranean plants such as lavenders, tall bearded irises and rosemary. These Lomandra can be cut back occasionally to initiate fresh growth.