Lomandra Confertifolia 'Wingarra'

Mat Rush 'Wingarra'

Botanical Name: Lomandra confertifolia 'Wingarra'
Family: Asparagaceae
Origin: Australia
Plant Type: Strappy grass-like perennial

Overview

A compact, tough lomandra tailor-made for Adelaide and South Australian gardens. ‘Wingarra’ forms dense, fresh mid-green clumps that keep paths and garden edges looking crisp from full sun to part shade, shrugging off heat, coastal breezes and dry spells common in SA. Subtle spring flower spikes add a soft, native look and light perfume while supporting local pollinators—ideal for borders, mass plantings, verges and contemporary coastal SA schemes.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.5-0.8 m H x 0.6-0.9 m W
• Growth Rate: 20-30 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Fresh mid-green, fine/strappy leaves forming tidy, arching clumps
• Flowers: Short, subtle cream spikes in spring; lightly fragrant; good for native bees
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen mounds provide year-round structure; spring flowers and seedheads add texture and movement
• Wildlife Value: Supports local biodiversity—dense clumps offer shelter; flowers feed pollinators
• Tolerance: Drought-Tolerant (once established), Heat-Tolerant, Light–moderate Frost Hardy, Coastal-Tolerant (free-draining), Wind-Tolerant; Clay-Tolerant in well-drained clay/loam
• Planting Density: Mass planting: 3–4 plants per m² (tight cover). Edges/drifts: 2–3 plants per linear metre (30–50 cm apart)
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam or clay loam; tolerates poorer soils if drainage is good
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 2–3 weeks in summer (weekly in heatwaves); monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Low-care—comb or trim tired foliage in late winter/early spring (avoid cutting into the crown); remove spent flower stems; light native-safe feed in spring
• Lifespan: 15-25 years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Tolerant from slightly acidic to mildly alkaline

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Define paths and driveways with a continuous ribbon of texture and movement
• Mass plant on banks or hot, dry strips for a drought-smart, weed-suppressing groundcover
• Accent pots and modern coastal schemes; mix with grasses, kangaroo paws and westringia

Why You Will Love It

‘Wingarra’ gives a “finished” look with almost no fuss—perfect for Adelaide courtyards, verges and streetscapes where reliability matters. It thrives in South Australia’s Mediterranean climate, handling heatwaves, sandy coastal soils and wind once established, while staying neat year-round. Add the soft spring flowers and native vibe and you’ve got a stylish, resilient backbone for borders and coastal gardens right across SA.