Celebrated PlantsTropic Belle

Tropic Belle™ - Lomandra hystrix 'LHCOM' PP20,759

Tropicbelle is a slightly more compact form of Lomandra hystrix. Common Lomandra hystrix usually grow to 5.9 ft. in height in maintained landscapes. In our breeding trials, after 3 and a half years we have found that Tropicbelle grows to about 75% to 85% of the height of regular Lomandra Hystrix.

Lomandra Hystrix is well known to tolerate humidity in both irrigated and non irrigated areas, without the problems of root rot. Tropicbelle still does well in dryland areas.

Many people are reluctant to use Lomandra hystrix because of its tall and ununiformed height and have preferred Longifolia varieties. These varieties cannot cope well in excessively irrigated areas, recycled mulch or depressed areas. That is why Tropicbelle is a great plant, it can cope well in these areas and has the uniform look that most people desire.

Tropicbelle is 15% - 25% more compact than the common hystrix. This is a varying figure depending on the conditions that Tropicbelle is in.

 

 

 

 

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Name: Tropic Belle
Plant Species: Lomandra hystrix

General Description:

  • This is an improved smaller growing compact form of the common Lomandra hystrix
  • It will grow to approximately 2 ft. to 3 ft. in height and approximately 2 ft. in width
  • In drier climates it will reach 2 ft. and in moist areas will get up to 3 ft. in height. This is significantly shorter than the common form, which often grows to 5 ft. high.
  • This tufted hardy plant has arching strap like leaves with yellow flower spikes appearing in Spring. This plant is very phytophora resistant.

Position:

  • Tropic Belle is suited to moist soils, but can tolerate dry conditions.
  • Lives on natural rainfall in most of the populated areas of Zone 9 and 10, provided it is planted in 2' or more of mulch, preferably chunky mulch, as this lets the rain pass more easily through to the root zone
  • For desert inland type areas occasional watering will be required
  • It grows well in part shade and will tolerate full sun and moderate-high frosts
  • It is the best Lomandra species for coping with wet feet, over irrigated areas, hot, humid and dry conditions
  • It does well in both raised and depressed areas in both clay and sandy soils
  • Tolerates windy and salt laden windy positions
  • On top of mounds, and really dry areas, Lomandra longifolia plants such as Katrinus and Katrinus Deluxe will stay more evergreen in drought periods than Lomandra hystrix varieties.

Mulch Type:

It lives well in all mulch types, but for other reasons such as weed control, and better drought benefits, we recommend mulch that is comprised of hardwood chips or other chunky wood material with no more than 5% fines by volume (preferably zero fines). The material must not contain any bark. The average size of the woodchip must be approximately 1.2' x 0.8' x 0.02' and the maximum length of chip is not to exceed 50 mm. It must be free of soil, weeds, stones, vermin, insects or other foreign material. (Note: Mulch with less than 5% fines has many advantages, and should be used anyway).

Care:

Water as required to keep the plant healthy for the first 8 to 13 weeks. After this irrigation is optional (not required) for most populated areas of Zone 9 and 10, other than particularly dry inland regions. If irrigation is used, set it so the soil has time to dry out between waterings. Trimming is rarely required, but if needed, trim using a sharp implement to 8' above the ground. Avoid trimming in drought conditions, or in the middle of summer. Fertilizer is rarely required, but in ornamental gardens if a darker green color is desired, fertilize with any good balanced 8 to 9 month slow release fertilizer, preferably in Spring or Autumn.

Uses:

  • Ideal for mass planting in commercial landscaping, roadsides, golf courses, factories, offices and for specimen planting in private gardens
  • Good understory plant in open tree plantings
  • Good plant for the edge of water courses, dams or ponds. Excellent for handling areas which can be wet for long periods, provided it is not under water, and just wet soils. E.g : Gullies on roadsides, embankments.
  • Ideal for patio pot plants and planter boxes
  • Good indoor plant
  • Good companion plant with Cassa Blue, Little Rev, Little Jess, Breeze and Revelation provided the planting instructions are followed for these varieties.

Planting Rates

  • Roadsides: 3.3' x 3.3' x 3.9' (14.9 oz volume) square pots and 5.5' diameter round pots (5.5' deep) and (47.3 oz volume): After consultation with roads departments, we recommend planting Tropic Belle at 3 pots per square feet in urban areas, and for rural roads, 2 pots per square feet.
  • Garden Rates: Mass planting, 3 per square feet for full coverage. For specimen planting, plant 1 to 3 per 3.5 square feet. (These low rates are for where manual weed control is possible).

Weed control:

  • Ronstar as per label as a pre-emergent. Fusilade as per label will selectively take out grass weeds. Eg: Kikuyu, summer grass etc. When spot spraying with Glyphosate (Roundup), ensure drift or overspray does not accidently contact the Tropic Belle. Do not spot spray on windy days. Please check label to see if you can use these chemicals in your region for this use.
  • Fungicides and other treatments: Tropic Belle has yet to be observed requiring any treatments.