Longleaf mat-rush

Year-round

Spiny-headed mat-rush is an evergreen, clumping, grass-like perennial originally from eastern Australia, so it is an introduced ornamental here. It is described as drought and frost tolerant and needs little upkeep once established.

• Plant in full sun to light shade in soil that drains.
• Water regularly the first year, then deeply but rarely.
• Leave the clump alone in most years, since it needs little trimming.
• Cut out only damaged or brown leaves.

Its evergreen, tidy clumps work well as a low-maintenance border edge.

Fall

Fall planting lets roots grow before winter rains.

• Plant or divide clumps in early fall.
• Skip extra watering once rain returns.
• Keep mulch off the crown.

Winter

Winter needs almost nothing from you.

• Rely on rain for water.
• Leave the evergreen foliage in place.
• Check that the clump is not sitting in standing water.

Spring

Spring is a good time to plant and to tidy a clump.

• Plant new clumps while the soil is cool and damp.
• Remove brown leaves by hand or with shears.
• Water new plants weekly until roots settle.

Summer

Established clumps handle the dry season with little help.

• Water established plants deeply every few weeks at most.
• Keep newer plants evenly moist.
• Mulch lightly to hold moisture.