Dwarf mat-rush

Year-round

Dwarf lomandra is a tidy, evergreen, grass-like mound that stays low and takes little work. It copes with sun or part shade, poor soil, and dry spells.

• Plant in full sun to part shade in soil that drains reasonably well. It adapts to sandy or clay ground.
• Water regularly the first year, then only an occasional deep soak in long dry spells.
• Compact kinds stay around one foot tall and wide, so they fit borders and edges with little trimming.
• It tolerates heat, coastal exposure, drought, and light frost.
• Feed lightly with a slow-release, low-phosphorus fertilizer in spring if growth looks pale.

A compact evergreen mound stays neat without frequent trimming, which suits a front-yard edge.

Fall

Fall is a fine planting window as the rains return.

• Plant now and let winter rain do most of the watering.
• Pull weeds out of the clump while soil is soft.
• Skip fertilizer, since growth is slowing.

Winter

Winter is quiet, and the clump stays green.

• It tolerates light frost, so no protection is usually needed near San Francisco.
• Hold off on watering while the rains do the work.
• Every few years, trim the foliage back to refresh a tired clump before spring growth.

Spring

Spring is the best time to plant and feed.

• Plant now so roots establish before the dry season.
• Apply a light dose of slow-release, low-phosphorus fertilizer if you feed at all.
• Water new plants weekly if rain is light.

Summer

Summer needs very little around San Francisco.

• Established clumps usually need only an occasional deep watering in a dry spell.
• Water young plants every week or so.
• Leave the foliage alone, since it handles dry weather well.