Landscape specifiers and designers in New Zealand are increasingly turning to Lomandra species as a robust, adaptable solution for both urban and regional projects. Originally native to Australia, selected cultivars have proven highly effective in erosion control, biodiversity support, and low-input landscaping across a wide range of New Zealand environments.

Tanika™ Lomandra longifolia ‘LM300’ PVR. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/tanika-lomandra/

Why Lomandra is Gaining Ground in NZ Landscape Design

Lomandra offers a unique combination of resilience, ornamental appeal, and ecological function. While not native to New Zealand, it behaves in a non-invasive and ecologically neutral manner, making it a safe addition to mixed planting schemes.

1. Erosion Control and Slope Stabilisation

For landscape architects specifying for challenging sites—such as embankments, bioswales, and riparian margins—Lomandra’s fibrous root system offers exceptional soil-binding capability. Ozbreed has conducted research regarding specific cultivar erosion controlling abilities in Australia, and you can browse our findings here. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/erosion-control-research/

2. Soft Texture for Urban Greenspaces

Unlike rigid sedges or coarse exotics, Lomandra’s fine, strappy leaves bring a visually soft texture that enhances the aesthetic quality of urban green spaces, road corridors, and commercial developments. It integrates well with both structured and naturalistic planting styles, creating a sense of movement and depth without dominating a scheme.

Shara™ Lomandra longifolia subsp. exilis ‘ABU7’ PVR. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/shara-lomandra/

3. Low-Maintenance Planting for High-Traffic Areas

Lomandra cultivars are ideal for low-maintenance landscape zones. Once established, they tolerate drought, periodic inundation, heavy pruning, and neglect—making them perfect for roadsides, carparks, and public infrastructure zones. Many cultivars hold their form for years without splitting, reducing the need for seasonal rejuvenation or replacement planting.

4. Faunal Support and Habitat Structuring

Although not a New Zealand native, Lomandra significantly contributes to urban biodiversity. Its dense clumps provide shelter for skinks, insect habitat, and even nesting material for small birds within larger plantings. In pond edges and rain gardens, its presence supports amphibian refuge zones, aligning with urban ecology objectives and sustainable stormwater management. Their nectar, pollen and seeds are a boon for insects and small animals.

5. Tolerant of a Range of Conditions

One of the greatest appeals to specifiers is Lomandra’s versatility. It performs reliably in:

• Clay or sandy soils
• Full sun or partial shade (some varieties can even be used indoors)
• Coastal exposure or sheltered valleys (to varying degrees)
• Cold-temperate or mild-subtropical climates, across both North and South Islands

This makes it a go-to plant for NZ landscape professionals seeking dependable performance in unpredictable sites.

Lomandra longifolia ‘KATRINUS DELUXE’ PVR. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/katrinus-deluxe-lomandra/

Recommended Lomandra Cultivars for NZ Projects

The following Ozbreed cultivars are available in New Zealand and have demonstrated reliable performance in local conditions:

• Evergreen Baby™ Lomandra longifolia subsp. exilis ‘LM600’ PVR http://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/evergreen-baby-lomandra/
• Great White™ Lomandra longifolia ‘MURU’ http://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/great-white-lomandra/
• Lucky Stripe™ Lomandra hystrix ‘LMV200’ http://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/lucky-stripe/
• Katrinus Deluxe Lomandra longifolia PVR http://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/katrinus-deluxe-lomandra/
• Nyalla™ Lomandra longifolia ‘LM400’ PVR http://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/nyalla-lomandra/
• Shara™ Lomandra longifolia subsp. exilis ‘ABU7’ PVR http://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/shara-lomandra/
• Tanika™ Lomandra longifolia ‘LM300’ PVR http://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/tanika-lomandra/

Each cultivar has been selected for improved form, clumping habit, and strong foliage retention throughout the seasons.

Where to Specify Lomandra in New Zealand

Consider Lomandra in the following applications:

• Erosion control plants NZ (including batters and roadside slopes)
• Rain gardens and stormwater systems (in particular, Shara™ Lomandra is suitable for wet feet)
• Commercial and civic green spaces
• Residential subdivisions
• Restoration edge planting
• Grass-like plants for landscape design that provide ecological resources and movement in the wind
  

Final Word

Lomandra is not just a functional plant; it’s a designer’s asset. Whether your brief calls for aesthetics, durability, or ecological performance, Lomandra should be on your radar as a go-to solution for resilient, future-proofed landscapes in New Zealand.