Lomandra Longifolia Confertifolia 'Lime Tuff'

Lime Tuff Mat Rush / Mat Rush / Spiny Head Mat Rush / Basket Grass

Botanical Name: Lomandra longifolia subsp. confertifolia ‘Lime Tuff’
Family: Asparagaceae
Origin: Australian native
Plant Type: Evergreen grass-like perennial

Overview

‘Lime Tuff’ is a compact, fine-leaved Lomandra that brings year-round freshness and structure to gardens across South Australia. With its soft, lime-green foliage forming neat, rounded clumps, it’s perfect for modern landscapes, mass plantings, or as a hardy border accent. Exceptionally tolerant of drought, heat, wind, and light frost, it performs beautifully in Adelaide’s Mediterranean climate, from coastal sites to inland suburbs.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.4–0.5 m H × 0.4–0.6 m W — naturally compact and symmetrical form
• Growth Rate: 20–40 cm per year under good growing conditions
• Foliage: Fine, arching lime-green leaves that retain colour through heat and cold; fresh flush of bright green in spring
• Flowers: Small, yellow-cream spikes hidden within the foliage in spring to early summer; lightly scented
  
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen foliage year-round; vibrant new growth in spring; soft movement and texture in the garden
• Wildlife Value: Provides shelter for small birds and insects
• Tolerance: Highly drought-, heat-, wind-, and coastal-tolerant once established; handles light frost
• Planting Density: 3–5 plants per m² for mass planting or edging
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade — performs best in full sun but tolerates moderate shade without losing colour
• Soil: Free-draining sandy, loamy, or gravelly soils; tolerates poor, dry, or slightly saline soils; avoid heavy, waterlogged ground
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Very low maintenance – remove old foliage annually or trim lightly in late winter to refresh appearance; avoid over-fertilising
• Lifespan: 10–15+ years in suitable conditions
• Climate Zones: Mediterranean and temperate – ideal for Adelaide, Fleurieu Peninsula, Eyre Peninsula, and coastal SA
• Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic or alkaline (very adaptable)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Commercial & Streetscapes: Favoured for its durability and tidy, uniform form — ideal for low-irrigation public spaces or carpark borders.
• Containers & Courtyards: Stunning in large decorative pots for alfresco areas — pairs well with stone, steel, or timber finishes in modern outdoor designs.
• Borders & Path Edges: Excellent as a natural, low border along pathways, driveways, or retaining walls — soft yet structured.

Why You Will Love It

‘Lime Tuff’ brings effortless style and resilience to South Australian gardens — lush lime-green foliage all year, no fuss, no mess, and endless design potential. It’s a landscaper’s dream: neat, tough, and stunning whether planted en masse or as a refined feature in your garden’s framework.