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Lomandra Longifolia
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Posted by artiew QLD Aust (My Page) on Sat, Feb 5, 05 at 19:44
| Hi All,
I want to use Lomandra as an underplanting for lillipillies, palms and so on, but I have a couple of questions:
1. Will they cope with the transition from full-sun to increasing shade as the upper storey fills out ?
2. Will they take hard pruning ?
3. I assume that I can divide clumps to establish new plantings - is it as easy as it looks ?
Many gardeners seem to use Lomandra as a feature plant, albeit in the understorey, but I just want a tough groundcover, and its a native to boot - how can one go wrong :)
Thanks,
Artie |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Lomandra Longifolia
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I would suggest Lomandra hystrix,as it looks a bit more lush in its greener colour,it will certainly adapt well to shade.There are smaller forms of Lomandra available now such as "Tanika" but they are usually much more expensive and harder to find.
Cheers. |
RE: Lomandra Longifolia
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Lomandra hystrix also has a wonderful scent.
Grant |
RE: Lomandra Longifolia
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| I have divided Lomandra a number of times and found it pretty easy. I cut the top growth back quite savagely and try to include as much root material as possible. They will sit there for a few months or so and then come away fine. Depending on the size of your clump, you can divide them up into smaller clumps as well. I have noticed however they recover faster along the edge that is uncut ie. the outside where the new shoots would normally appear. Keep them well watered. Also take care you do not plant them too close to your shrubs/trees as their roots can get very competitive. I prefer the Tanika variety mentioned by Richard as well. It has a much more delicate look and is more in scale ie. not too big. |
RE: Lomandra Longifolia
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| Thanks, Grant and Richard. I have read that Longifolia also has scented flowers, and that a mass planting results in a discernible aroma. Regardless, scent is one of the last criteria I look for at the moment - I want shade, foliage and form, in that order. I have planted a few Melaleuca which will have scented flowers and my Murrayas are in full flower at the moment, but I find the scent a bit overpowering : sort of like perfume for older women. Less is more with many scents in the garden - I prefer the smell of tea-tree and eucalyptus. Just my two cents worth :) |
Competitive Roots ....
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| Hi Richard, Competitive root systems - - they didnt mention that in any of the entries I have for the plant in various books ! I was going to plant it between two rows of palms, in a 30cm wide area in which I'm currently forced to battle weeds. I also have a single Bambusa Oldhamii clump in the outer row of palms, so I expect that there is already some fierce competition for soil among the various root systems. Not sure what to do with the Longifolia now. |
RE: Lomandra Longifolia
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| We have about 100 clumps of Lomandra Longifolia some in full sun and some in full shade, it doesn't seem to bother them, they are as tough as old boots, you couldn't kill them with a rock. I haven't found the roots to be invasive. Yes it is as easy as it looks, the only thing is their leaves can be a bit "bitey", they seem to splinter and can easily lodge in innocent fingers. |
RE: Lomandra Longifolia
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| Hi Artie, how are you? I have a longiflora that held on under a triangle palm for years recieving little water or sun. It has been cut, transplanted, run over, it even managed to survive the amourous advances of a jasmine and plumbago at the same time. it is now in full sun and doing fine. Ree |
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