“Introducing the Ultimate Drought-Resistant Grass Alternative: Platinum Beauty™ Lomandra from the Southern Living Plant Collection. This evergreen beauty boasts gracefully arching leaf blades that bring texture and movement to any garden or container, thriving in even the toughest conditions. Admired for its variegated foliage with creamy-white stripes, Platinum Beauty™ Lomandra adds a platinum sheen that stands out against darker foliage, making a striking statement in borders and mass plantings. Drought-tolerant and easy to care for, this perennial herbaceous plant is a versatile addition to any landscape.
Plant Details:
– Common Name: Platinum Beauty™ Lomandra
– Botanical Name: Lomandra longifolia ′Roma 13′
– Family: Asparagaceae
– Plant Type: Perennial, herbaceous, evergreen
– Mature Size: 2-3′ high x 2-3′ wide
– Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
– Soil Type: Moist, well-draining
– Soil pH: Widely adapted
– Bloom Time: Autumn through spring
– Flower Color: Yellow
– Hardiness Zones: 8 to 10
– Native Area: Australia
– Toxicity: None
Care Instructions:
Platinum Beauty™ Lomandra is a resilient plant that can thrive in various conditions, from sandy to clay soils to high heat and coastal environments. Its adaptability makes it ideal for erosion control and as an attractive focal point in gardens and containers. This plant tolerates partial shade to full sun and is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for both dry and moist conditions. For optimal growth, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer annually in spring.
Planting Tips:
Platinum Beauty™ Lomandra is best planted in spring or fall in a location with good drainage and ample sunlight. Prior to planting, amend soil with compost for improved drainage or water-holding capacity. Water plants thoroughly before transplanting and ensure the roots are covered when planting. After planting, water thoroughly and maintain regular irrigation for healthy growth.
Discover the beauty and resilience of Platinum Beauty™ Lomandra for a vibrant and low-maintenance landscape!”
To maintain the beautiful form of Platinum Beauty™ Lomandra, apply 1 to 2 inches of mulch, avoiding the area closest to the stem.
Pruning Tips for Platinum Beauty™ Lomandra:
This evergreen herbaceous grass-like plant typically does not require regular pruning. However, to keep it tidy, you can remove damaged or dead leaf blades by cutting them back to the base using sharp pruners. Additionally, trim spent flower spikes by cutting them back to the base of the plant.
Encouraging Blooms in Platinum Beauty™ Lomandra:
While Platinum Beauty™ Lomandra is primarily grown for its foliage rather than flowers, it does produce fragrant, creamy yellow flower spikes from autumn through spring. These flower spikes tend to grow low and remain hidden within the foliage. No special care is necessary to encourage blooming.
Overwintering Tips:
In regions where Platinum Beauty™ Lomandra is winter hardy (USDA Zones 8-10), the plant can be left in the ground for winter. The evergreen foliage will continue to shine and cool-season blooms will provide color and texture. In colder areas, bring plants indoors before the first hard freeze in fall and store them in a cool garage or basement.
Propagation:
Platinum Beauty™ Lomandra is patent-protected and cannot be propagated.
Potting and Repotting Guidelines:
The cascading foliage of Platinum Beauty™ Lomandra looks stunning in containers, adding texture and color to outdoor spaces all year round. When planting, ensure the container provides enough room for the plant to grow into without excessive space. Use a well-draining potting mix for containers with slow-release fertilizer. Water thoroughly when the top two inches of soil are dry. Repot when the soil is compacted or roots are overcrowded.
Common Issues and Solutions:
Platinum Beauty™ Lomandra is generally resistant to pests and diseases. To prevent root rot, ensure proper drainage by amending the soil before planting. Foliage diseases can be managed by removing affected leaves and improving airflow. Watch for signs of water stress, such as yellowing or wilting leaves, and adjust watering practices accordingly.
For more low-maintenance evergreen plant ideas, check out the original article on Southern Living.
