How Much Space to Leave Between Each Basket Grass Plant

Basket grass, also known as Lomandra, is a popular ornamental grass variety prized for its attractive foliage and drought tolerance. When planting basket grass, proper spacing is important to allow the plants to mature to their full size and keep them looking tidy. This ensures they continue thriving season after season with minimal maintenance.

Overview of Basket Grass

Native to Australia, basket grass is a perennial grass that grows in dense, compact clumps. There are several popular species, such as:

• Longifolia – Fine, bright green leaves with reddish-tan seed heads. Grows 2-3 feet tall and wide.

• Confertifolia – Blue-green leaves with coppery tips when new, Clumps reach 2 feet tall and wide

• Filiformis – Slender, weeping blue-green foliage. Grows 2-3 feet tall and wide.

Basket grass makes an excellent ornamental accent in beds, borders or containers. Once established, it is quite drought tolerant, though occasional deep watering sustains growth. Its fine texture contrasts nicely with broader-leaved plants.

Recommended Basket Grass Spacing

When planting basket grass, it’s important to understand its expected mature size to space clumps appropriately. Crowding plants prevents proper air circulation and stunts growth over time.

As a general rule, most basket grass varieties should be spaced 2 to 3 feet apart at planting time. This accommodates the eventual width of the clumps without overcrowding.

Here are some specific spacing guidelines:

• Longifolia – Space 2 to 2.5 feet apart

• Confertifolia – Space 2 to 3 feet apart

• Filiformis – Space 2 feet apart

Use the lower end of the spacing range if you wish to create a dense mass of grasses quickly. For a more open, airy look over time, use the wider end of the recommended range.

Other Spacing Tips

Beyond the recommended spacing, here are some other tips for proper basket grass placement:

• Stagger clumps in rows for visual interest rather than planting in a grid pattern.

• Adjust spacing to allow for companion plants between grass clumps. For example, allow 3 feet between clumps for shorter flowers.

• Give clumps added breathing room if planting in hot, arid climates. Wider spacing reduces competition.

• Plant closer together, around 1-1.5 feet, if using basket grass as a durable ground cover.

• Leave extra space around walkways or other high traffic areas so foliage is less likely to get trampled.

• When planting in containers, allow for one basket grass plant per 12-24 inch pot depending on variety.

Adjusting spacing for site conditions and design needs ensures your basket grass thrives beautifully for years to come.

Spacing for Transplanting Established Clumps

In addition to planting new starters, it’s common to transplant mature basket grass clumps to divide overgrown plants or create more plants. Give transplanted divisions the same spacing as new starter plants.

Here are some tips for transplanting existing clumps:

• Divide in early spring when new growth is emerging.

• Use a sharp shovel or saw to cut through congested rhizome roots and divide into pieces with 3-5 healthy shoots each.

• Plant divisions at the same level they were growing before, with the crown just above soil level.

• Water transplants regularly until they establish a solid root system in their new location.

With proper post-transplant care, divided basket grass bounces back quickly to fill in as handsome specimens.

Achieving Full Size Takes Time

When planting basket grass, it’s easy to envision the lovely, mature clumps they will become. However, it does take plants a few years to fully establish and reach maximum size. Here is a general timeline:

• Year 1 – Plants focus on root development and staying alive. Expect little growth.

• Year 2 – Moderate new shoot production as roots gain hold. Clumps begin filling in.

• Year 3 – Rapid growth phase as plants mature. Clumps achieve close to full size.

• Year 4+ – Growth slows and stabilizes. Clumps may expand slightly each year but reach mature dimensions.

Be patient with young basket grass transplants. With proper ongoing care, they will soon reward you with beautiful, full clumps.

Ongoing Care Tips

To help your basket grass thrive and fill in over time:

• Water deeply 1-2 times per week until established, then only during droughts.

• Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to fuel growth.

• Cut back previous year’s foliage in late winter before new shoots emerge.

• Divide congested clumps every 3-4 years in early spring to rejuvenate.

• Remove any unsightly foliage or seed heads through the season to keep plants looking fresh.

Proper spacing, along with attentive care, will keep your basket grass healthy, dense and tidy for years of beauty.

Design Ideas to Showcase Basket Grass

With the right spacing and care, basket grass provides wonderful versatility in landscape design. Here are some ideas:

• Use as colorful evergreen groundcover on slopes or in rock gardens.

• Edge garden beds and pathways for visual interest and separation.

• Mix clump forms with upright grasses and perennials for contrast.

• Feature in masses for bold texture and color.

• Accent entryways or define outdoor spaces with groupings.

• Plant in rows to create living hedges, screens or fences.

• Add height with planter boxes or raised beds on decks and patios.

With so many possibilities, basket grass can serve nearly any role you need with beauty and durability.

When dealing with ornamental grasses like basket grass, proper plant spacing is one of the keys to success. Allowing each clump adequate room to reach maturity results in healthy specimens that thrive season after season. Follow the recommended guidelines, adjusted to your specific landscape conditions and needs. A little patience as young plants establish will reward you with a graceful, carefree display.