Spiny-head Mat-rush Plant Care

Spiny-head Mat-rush (Lomandra hystrix) belongs to the Asparagaceae family within the Lomandra genus. Spiny-head Mat-rush is also known as Hairy Mat-rush, Basket Grass.

Spiny-head Mat-rush displays a grass-like clumping growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Spiny-head Mat-rush produces small yellow blooms on tall spikes.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Spiny-head Mat-rush every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Spiny-head Mat-rush thrives in full sun to part shade.

Lomandra hystrix tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Spiny-head Mat-rush prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Spiny-head Mat-rush to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Spiny-head Mat-rush every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to part shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Spiny-head Mat-rush is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Spiny-head Mat-rush can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Spiny-head Mat-rush while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Spiny-head Mat-rush is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Spiny-head Mat-rush can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mat rush plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Spiny-head Mat-rush is susceptible to aphids, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Spiny-head Mat-rush grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Spiny-head Mat-rush as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.