Add movement and texture to the garden with this graceful grass-like evergreen.
Thisevergreenbeauty from the Southern Living Plant Collection produces flowing mounds of fine foliage celebrated for its attractive variegation.
Platinum BeautyTM Lomandra isdrought tolerantand easy to maintain.
Credit:Southern Living Plant Collection
It makes a lovely statement in garden borders and looks stunning when planteden masse.
Platinum BeautyTM Lomandra Care
Despite its elegant appearance, Platinum BeautyTM Lomandra is a tough plant.
This adaptability makes lomandra quite versatile in the landscape.
Light
Platinum BeautyTM Lomandra tolerates partial shade to full sun conditions.
Plants can also withstand periods of inundation, making them useful in rain gardens.
Temperature And Humidity
Lomandras thrive on heat and perform best in warm climates.
Platinum BeautyTM is cold hardy to 10F but does not tolerate wet conditions in winter.
Plants do not tolerate high humidity for long periods of time, as this can encourage foliar diseases.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer annually in spring.
Locate a planting site in full sun to partial shade.
Although they tolerate a range of soils, Platinum BeautyTM Lomandra plants require good drainage for healthy development.
Amend clay soil with composted organic matter as needed to improve drainage prior to planting.
Compost can also be used to improve the water-holding capacity of sandy soil.
Water plants well before transplanting to prevent roots from drying out during the planting process.
Dig a planting hole 2-3 times wider than the container.
This allows you to spread the roots out laterally.
Gently remove the plant from its pot and loosen the roots.
Fill the planting hole with soil, pressing the soil down gently with your hand.
Water plants thoroughly and apply 1 to 2 inches of mulch, avoiding the area closest to stem.
Damaged or dead leaf blades can be removed by cutting them back to the base with sharp pruners.
Remove spent flower spikes by cutting them back to the base of the plant.
Flower spikes tend to grow low and remain hidden within the foliage.
No special care is needed to promote flowering.
The evergreen foliage will continue to shine throughout winter, and cool-season blooms will add interesting color and texture.
In colder regions, plants need to be brought indoors before the first hard freeze in fall.
Store plants in their containers in a cool garage or basement for the winter.
Propagating Platinum BeautyTM Lomandra
Platinum BeautyTM Lomandra is patent-protected and cannot be propagated.
When repotting older plants, select a pot that is one to two sizes larger than the current container.
verify all containers have good drainage.
Provide Platinum BeautyTM Lomandra with a well-draining potting mix designed for containers.
Remember that potted plants dry out more quickly than those in the ground.
Water containers deeply when the upper two inches of soil feels dry to the touch.
Repot Platinum BeautyTM Lomandra when the soil is compacted or overcrowded by roots.
You may notice the container can no longer adequate moisture for the roots to absorb.
Common Problems
Platinum BeautyTM Lomandra is not bothered by any major pest or disease problems.
Root rot can occur when plants are grown in poorly drained soil.
Avoid this my amending soil with compost prior to planting or moving plants in a drier location.
Foliage diseases can occur under very humid conditions.
These appear as spots or blotches on the leaves.
Manage foliar diseases by removing dead foliage and thinning the canopy of plants to increase airflow.
Address this problem by adjusting irrigation practices.
