Lomandra Fluviatilis 'Shara'

Shara™ Mat Rush / Shara Lomandra

Botanical Name: Lomandra fluviatilis ‘Shara’ PBR
Family: Asparagaceae
Origin: Australia
Plant Type: Hardy, evergreen clumping grass-like perennial

Overview

A refined native grass suited to Adelaide’s Mediterranean climate, Lomandra fluviatilis ‘Shara’ is a compact, fine-leaved Lomandra offering excellent drought, frost, and heat tolerance. Its tidy, tufted habit and graceful, flowing foliage provide structure and texture in low-water landscapes, commercial plantings, and home gardens alike.
‘Shara’ stays lush and green year-round in South Australia, tolerating wind, coastal exposure, and a wide range of soils. It produces subtle yellow flower spikes in spring, adding a soft native touch to the garden while attracting beneficial insects.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.4–0.5 m H × 0.6–0.7 m W (compact, fine-leaved clump)
• Growth Rate: 20-35 cm per year under good conditions until maturity (typically 12–18 months)
• Foliage: Fine, glossy, mid- to deep-green strap-like leaves; remains evergreen even in dry summers
• Flowers: Small, golden-cream spikes in spring; pleasantly fragrant and subtle in display
  
• Seasonal Interest: Year-round evergreen appeal; subtle flowers in spring
• Wildlife Value: Provides shelter for beneficial insects and small fauna; flowers attract pollinators
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant, coastal-tolerant (front-line); frost-hardy to –5 °C (protect from severe frost in exposed sites)
• Planting Density: 3–6 plants per m² for mass planting or 0.4–0.6 m apart in borders
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic; tough foliage discourages chewing

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade; performs best with at least 4–6 hours of direct light
• Soil: Adaptable to sandy, loamy, or clay soils; prefers free-draining but tolerates periodic wetness
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–10 weeks. Established: deep soak every 2-3 weeks in summer; minimal in cooler months
• Maintenance: Trim back by one-third every 3–5 years to refresh foliage (late winter ideal); Avoid over-fertilising; native slow-release fertiliser if needed
• Lifespan: 8–10+ years in well-drained soil
• Climate Zones: Ideal for Mediterranean and temperate SA – thrives across Adelaide plains, hills, and coastal regions
• Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic or alkaline

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Waterwise & Native Gardens: Excellent companion to Westringia, Dianella, and Eremophila for low-maintenance native designs
• Mass Planting: Use along driveways, medians, and slopes for erosion control and neat structure
• Modern Landscapes: Pairs beautifully with succulents, gravel, and feature rocks for architectural contrast
• Coastal & Windy Sites: Perfect for exposed positions, nature strips, and coastal plantings
• Courtyard & Container Use: Low-care, evergreen texture for pots or narrow spaces

Why You Will Love It

A durable, stylish, and truly low-maintenance Australian native, Lomandra fluviatilis ‘Shara’ keeps its fresh green colour even through Adelaide’s toughest summers. It’s ideal for creating structure, texture, and movement in dry gardens or modern landscapes — thriving with minimal water or care.
Loved by landscape designers for its reliability and form, Shara™ Lomandra is one of South Australia’s best all-round grasses for sustainable, year-round beauty.