Lomandra longifolia’White Sails

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.