White Sands
grass-like variegated foliage that looks great all year
Plant Profile: Lomandra longifolia ‘White Sands’
Although it looks like a grass it is not a grass: hardy, evergreen, variegated foliage, it makes graceful clumps in the garden or in pots.
Common Name: White Sails Lomandra, Mat Rush
Scientific Name: Lomandra longifolia ‘White Sails’
Family: Asparagaceae
Plant Type: Evergreen perennial grass-like plant
Native Range: Eastern Australia
Zone Adaptability:
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
- RHS Hardiness Zones: H1, H2, H3 and possibly H4
Ideal Conditions:
- Full sun to partial shade, shade
- Well-drained soil
- Drought tolerant once established
Size:
- Height: 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
- Width: 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Growth Rate: Moderate
Bloom Time: Spring to summer – but primarily grown for the superb foliage
Bloom Description: Small, white flowers on tall, slender stems
Leaf Description:
- Long, narrow, arching leaves
- Green with creamy-white variegation
- Evergreen
Uses in Landscaping:
- Borders
- Mass plantings
- Containers
- Rock gardens
- Coastal gardens
Maintenance:
- Low maintenance
- Water regularly until established
- Fertilize once a year in spring
- Prune to remove dead or damaged leaves
Pests/Diseases:
- Generally pest and disease free
Other Features:
- Deer resistant
- Salt tolerant
- Drought tolerant
Propagating:
- Division
- Seed
Availability:
- Not widely available at garden centers and nurseries, available in Johnstown Garden Centre, Ireland. Availability is increasing.
Pollinators:
- Attracts bees and butterflies
I first encountered this plant when buying plants for sale in Johnstown Garden Centre, it was new to me, and it looked great.
Of course, I bought one, I planted it at the front of the house where some other plants have struggled; partial shade, a hedge close by, and poor soil, make for an unhospitable situation. The Lomandra ‘White Sail’ though, is thriving.
It looks clean and tidy after winter, it is basically maintenance free.
I have since got others, used them in pots in both sun and shade, all are looking great, and I have planted 14 plants at the front of the house where they are thriving in full sun.
It has not been widely available, but I have persuaded a commercial grower to produce it so it will be more widely available this year in Ireland.