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Plant Profiles / Dianella (flax lily)

Photos: Wikimedia Commons

OutdoorAustralian nativeGrassDrought tolerantShade lovingPet friendly

Dianella (flax lily)

Dianella caerulea (and D. tasmanica) · Flax lily, blue flax lily

A tough, clumping Australian native with strappy leaves, starry blue flowers and glossy purple berries. Great for low-maintenance pots and borders.

Sun to shadeLight

Weekly in potsWater

Very easyCare level

Care at a glance

Light

Sun to shade

ShadeFull sun

Adaptable.

Water

Weekly in pots

DryWet

Drought tolerant once established.

Humidity

Adaptable

LowHigh

Adaptable.

Temperature

-5–40°C (23–104°F)

CoolWarm

Hardy.

Growth

Moderate, clumping

SlowFast

Grows 40–60 cm.

Soil

Adaptable

LeanRich

Most soils.

Fertiliser

Native fertiliser

RarelyOften

Light feed in spring.

Pet safety

Non-toxic

SafeToxic

Plant is non-toxic; avoid pets eating the berries.

About this plant

Dianellas grow across eastern Australia. Compact cultivars like 'Little Jess' and 'Cassa Blue' are popular for pots. They handle sun, shade, drought and wind.

Best spots

Balcony pots, troughs, borders and mass plantings.

Plant facts

Botanical name	Dianella caerulea (and D. tasmanica)
Family	Asphodelaceae
Origin	Eastern Australia
Plant type	Evergreen perennial
Mature size	40–60 cm
Growth rate	Moderate
Foliage	Strappy green or blue-grey leaves
Flowers	Starry blue flowers
Toxicity	Low; berries best avoided
Propagation	Division