Looking for Lomandras that won’t mind getting their feet wet? These root-rot-tested varieties are ideal for bioswales, rain gardens, and areas prone to flooding; and there’s no need to drive to the nursery. We’ve listed the most flood-tolerant species and where to order them online right now.
Lomandra longifolia ‘LM360’ PBR Trade Name Lady Tanika®
Description:
Elegant, robust, female sterile Lomandra with a weeping form.
Uses:
Perfect for rain gardens, mass/mixed plantings, and erosion control near bushland.
Tolerance:
Thrives in tough conditions, including drought, flooding and Phytophthora.
Density:
2-4 per m².
Height & Width:
400-550 high, 600-750 wide.
Position & Soil:
Sun to part shade; tolerates most soils, including sandy loam and clay.
Care:
Prune near the base every few years to replace older leaves.
Where it Works:
ACT, VIC, SA, WA, TAS, NSW, and QLD.
Species Native To:
QLD, NSW, VIC, ACT, SA, TAS.
Australian Plants Online: Tubestock; $7.95. https://australianplantsonline.com.au/lomandra-lady-tanika.html
The Plant Hub: 50 mm tube; $8.90. https://theplanthub.com.au/products/lady-tanika®-lomandra-longifolia
Lomandra labill ‘LM600’ PBR Trade Name Evergreen Baby™ (Only suitable for wet feet in non-humid climates)
Description:
Compact, fine-leafed Lomandra with vibrant lime-green foliage in low-nutrient soils, ideal for low-height planting.
Uses:
Great for ground cover, playgrounds, bioswales, and mixed plantings.
Tolerance:
Handles heat, cold, flooding, drought, and tough conditions.
Density:
3–6 per m², 2–4 per linear metre.
Height & Width:
450mm high, 450mm wide.
Position & Soil:
Full to part shade; thrives in sandy loam to clay.
Care:
Hard prune to 7cm to rejuvenate; water and fertilise, or wait for rain.
Where it Works:
Southern QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS, SA, WA.
Species Native To:
All Australian states except NT.
Australian Plants Online: Tubestock. https://www.australianplantsonline.com.au/lomandra-evergreen-baby.html
The Plant Hub: 50 mm tube; $6.95. https://theplanthub.com.au/products/evergreen-baby
Lomandra fluviatilis ‘ABU7’ PBR Trade Name Shara™
Description:
Fine-foliaged Lomandra with a soft, compact form and masses of spring flowers.
Uses:
Roadsides, rain gardens, bio-swales, soil improvement and mass/mixed plantings.
Tolerance:
Handles wet feet, drought, and harsh exposure.
Density:
4–6 per m², 2–3 per linear metre.
Height & Width:
400–550mm high, 400-550mm wide.
Position & Soil:
Full sun to moderate shade; tolerates most soils, including poor types.
Care:
Cut back to 15cm above the ground every 3–10 years if needed.
Where it Works:
VIC, QLD, NSW, ACT, TAS, SA, WA.
Species Native To:
NSW.
Australian Plants Online: Tubestock. https://www.australianplantsonline.com.au/lomandra-shara.html
The Plant Hub: 50 mm tube; $6.85. https://theplanthub.com.au/products/shara
Lomandra fluviatilis ‘LM380’ PBR Trade Name Shara Blue™
Description:
Compact Lomandra with striking blue-grey foliage and yellow flowers, thriving in drought and flood conditions.
Uses:
Ideal for roadsides, rain gardens, mass/mixed planting, and bioswales.
Tolerance:
Withstands poor soils with Phytophthora, flooding, and drought.
Density:
4–6 per m², 2–3 per linear metre.
Height & Width:
400–550mm high, 400-550mm wide.
Position & Soil:
Full sun to part shade; adaptable to most soils.
Care:
Trim hard every 3–10 years as needed.
Where it Works:
QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS, SA, WA.
Species Native To:
NSW.
Australian Plants Online: Tubestock. https://www.australianplantsonline.com.au/lomandra-shara-blue.html
The Plant Hub: 50 mm tube; $7.90. https://theplanthub.com.au/products/shara™-blue-lomandra-pbr
Lomandra hystrix ‘LHWP’ PBR Trade Name Tropic Cascade™
Description:
Compact, weeping Lomandra with glossy, emerald-green foliage and perfumed sterile flowers.
Uses:
Rain gardens, bio-swales, erosion control, cascading over retaining walls, mass/mixed planting.
Tolerance:
Handles drought, flooding, heat, frost, and heavy shade.
Density:
3–6 per m², 2–4 per linear metre.
Height & Width:
550mm high, 550mm wide.
Position & Soil:
Full sun to heavy shade; suits most soil types, including wet and dry conditions.
Care:
Fertilise in spring; cut back to 30cm every 4–7 years to maintain vigor.
Where it Works:
VIC, NSW, QLD, ACT, SA, WA (protection preferred in frosty areas).
Species Native To:
Eastern Australia.
The Plant Hub: 50 mm tube; $7.50. https://theplanthub.com.au/products/tropic-cascade
Plants in a Box: Plant pack. https://plantsinabox.com.au/products/lomandra-hystrix-tropic-cascade-pbr-plant-pack
Conclusion
Ozbreed have been testing and selecting plants that are more tolerant of flooding and root rot for decades. You can read about some of our trials here: https://www.ozbreed.com.au/summary-plants-in-various-wet-feet-conditions/
Keep your rain garden thriving, even in wet conditions, with Lomandras that stand up to flooding. Browse the tested cultivars above and order online today; the longer you wait, the less time you have to plant this season.