This new form of Lomandra hystrix, with its uniform compact habit, will be a real asset for designer.

'Tropic Belle' makes an ideal specimen.

Dimensions: 'Tropic Belle' is a mid-sized Lomandra with a height range of 700 to 900mm and a spread of approx. 900mm. 'Tropic Belle' is a hardy, semi compact, Lomandra hystrix suitable for both dry and moist sites. In dry situations it will only reach approx. 700mm in height; in fertile, moist sites it will reach a full height of 900mm to 1m.

Flowers: Spring & Summer, with cream coloured male flowers held within the foliage. (Compared to the female flower the male is softer and has less spikes).

Aspect: 'Tropic Belle' will grow in complete full sun and also 90% shade. It is better suited to protected coastal aspects and thrives in coastal humidity. It is perfect for dry land planting and will thrive having wet feet with no ill effects. In inland climates it will thrive in summer heat and winter cold to -5c and looks best when it is protected from heavy frosts that may burn.

Soil Types: Moist sandy loam, clay loam, light and heavy clay soil types.

Mulch Type: No problems with any well composted mulch type.

Maintenance: Trim only when needed by cutting back foliage by half. Use slow release fertilizer once a year, and after trimming, to encourage fresh lush growth.

Available Sizes: 140mm Pots

Planting Rates:

Mass planting: Pots 3 to 5/m2

Specimen planting: Viro-tubes 3/m2, Pots 1 to 3/m2