Where to Purchase a Basket Grass Plant

Basket grass, also known as Lomandra or mat rush, is a versatile and attractive ornamental grass native to Australia. With its graceful, arching foliage and nearly carefree nature, it’s become a go-to choice for gardens and landscapes around the world. If you’re looking to add basket grass to your outdoor space, you may be wondering where you can purchase this desirable plant. There are several options for buying basket grass, from local nurseries to online retailers. This article will overview the key details about basket grass and provide tips on where to find it for purchase.

An Overview of Basket Grass

Before diving into where to buy basket grass, let’s go over some key facts about this plant:

• Botanical name There are several species in the Lomandra genus, including Lomandra longifolia, Lomandra confertifolia, and Lomandra filiformis

• Common varieties Popular basket grass cultivars include ‘Breeze,’ ‘Tanika,’ and ‘Platinum Beauty’

• Native range Lomandra species are native to Australia.

• USDA zones: Basket grass varieties are cold hardy in USDA zones 7-11.

• Mature size: Plants reach 1-3 feet tall and wide. Some varieties have a weeping habit.

• Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade.

• Soil: Tolerates a range of soil types and moisture levels. Best growth in well-draining soil.

• Key features: Fine-textured, grass-like foliage; evergreen in warmer climates; mostly carefree once established; drought tolerant.

Basket grass works well as mass plantings, container plants, borders, and erosion control. It’s deer resistant, pet friendly, and requires little care once established. The fine-textured foliage provides year-round interest.

Where to Buy Basket Grass Locally

Searching for basket grass at local nurseries is a great option to see the plants in person and get advice from knowledgeable staff. Here are some tips for finding it locally:

• Independent nurseries: Ask at local, independent plant nurseries to see if they stock basket grass. Specialty nurseries that focus on ornamental grasses, Australian natives, or drought-tolerant plants are good bets.

• Chain garden centers: Some home improvement stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot carry a limited selection of ornamental grasses, including occasional basket grass varieties. Check what’s in stock seasonally.

• Farmers markets: Basket grass is sometimes available from vendors at local farmers markets and plant sales, depending on your region.

• Botanical gardens: Gift shops at public gardens may sell basket grass plants when in stock.

• Landscapers: If you’re already working with a landscaping company on a garden design, ask if they can source basket grass for installation.

When buying locally, inspect basket grass plants closely. Look for signs of health like perky, upright foliage and good root development. Ask about the variety and mature size. For best local availability, shop in spring and fall when nurseries are stocked with a diverse selection.

Purchasing Basket Grass Online

If basket grass is hard to find locally, ordering it online opens up many options. Reputable online nurseries ship healthy potted plants nationwide. Here are top online sources:

• Online plant retailers: Popular national choices like Nature Hills Nursery, Bluestone Perennials, and Joy Creek Nursery offer a selection of basket grass varieties.

• Etsy plant shops: Many small and specialty growers on Etsy sell uncommon basket grass cultivars that are hard to find elsewhere. Shop seller reviews and check policies.

• Manufacturer websites: Some basket grass growers like Monrovia and Mountain States Wholesale Nursery sell direct to consumers through their websites.

• Amazon: Search for sellers offering live basket grass plants on Amazon. Verify good reviews and growing practices.

When ordering basket grass online, choose expedited shipping and plant immediately on arrival. Look for sellers who guarantee live delivery and allow returns of unhealthy plants. Order in spring or fall to avoid extreme weather.

What to Look for When Buying Basket Grass

Whether shopping in person or online, keep an eye out for these signs of high quality basket grass plants:

• Healthy, vibrant green foliage that is upright, not wilted or yellowing.

• Well-established root system (check container underside).

• Good size for the pot, not rootbound or overly small.

• No signs of pests, diseases, or damage.

• Grown in the nursery’s zone (not shipped from warmer climates).

• Sun/shade preference matched to your conditions.

• Labeled with the correct botanical name and variety.

Buying younger starter size plants can help reduce costs. But avoid tiny plugs which take longer to establish. Mature basket grass 1-2 years old offers immediate impact.

How Many Basket Grass Plants to Buy

Basket grass does best planted in groups of 3, 5, or 7 plants. This creates a full, attractive sweep when the plants fill in. To determine how many to purchase:

• Measure the space: Calculate the square footage of the basket grass planting bed.

• Space plants 2-3 feet apart: This gives them room to grow to mature size.

• Divide space by spacing: Example: 50 sq ft bed / 2 ft spacing = 25 plants.

Also factor in your budget and how quickly you want coverage. Buying more plants upfront creates instant impact but costs more. Start with fewer plants and let them fill in over 1-3 seasons to save money.

Caring for Basket Grass After Purchase

Once you get your basket grass plants home:

• Check roots and loosen if rootbound.

• Water thoroughly and let drain.

• Plant in ground or containers promptly.

• Water daily the first week, then 1-2x per week.

• Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season.

• Prune off any damaged foliage.

• Mulch around plants to retain moisture.

Proper care ensures your new basket grass establishes quickly. Once settled in, this tough plant needs minimal maintenance to thrive.

Add Versatile Basket Grass to Your Landscape

With its fine-textured elegance and carefree growth habit, it’s easy to see why gardeners and landscapers love basket grass. This ornamental grass is worth seeking out from local and online sources. Pair it with flowering perennials, succulents, trees, and shrubs to create pleasing, low-maintenance beds and borders. With a bit of planning, you can soon be enjoying graceful, lightweight basket grass in your own outdoor space.

Frequency of Entities:
Lomandra: 10
basket grass: 21
ornamental grass: 5
grass-like: 2