Outdoor Plant Profile: Dianella
If you're after a versatile plant that is attractive year-round, look no further than dianella
Australia is lucky enough to have several species of this tough, strappy-leaved perennial to call its own; in New Zealand there’s only one. But there are plenty of flax lily (Dianella) cultivars to be found growing happily in gardens on both sides of the Tasman as well as around the world. Dianella’s undemanding nature and good looks are part of the reason for it’s growing popularity. Another is its versatility, with cultivars now coming on the market that can cope with all kinds of extremes: low water, shade, salt-laden winds, damp soil. You name it, there’s a dianella to suit virtually every garden.
Signature traits: Dianella is known for its flax-like shiny leaves, with many species producing pretty purple/blue flowers in spring followed by gorgeous purple berries. The range of cultivars has increased hugely over recent years, many with variegated or striped leaves like this one, while others such as Dianella caerulea ‘Cassa Blue’ have distinctive blue/grey or reddish (e.g. Dianella ‘Blaze’) hue to their foliage.
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Where is dianella best positioned?
Dianella looks fabulous planted in large groups in raised beds, lining steps or patios, in pots and under trees. The Australian cultivar shown here in a shady planter box is Dianella ‘Weeping Kate’, which has dark green weeping foliage as its name suggests.
Dianella looks fabulous planted in large groups in raised beds, lining steps or patios, in pots and under trees. The Australian cultivar shown here in a shady planter box is Dianella ‘Weeping Kate’, which has dark green weeping foliage as its name suggests.
What size will dianella reach?
This varies according to species with some dianella only 30 centimetres high and others reaching over a metre tall. Clumps gradually spread to almost a metre wide, again depending on the species. Many new cultivars are very compact in size, spreading to only 30 centimetres in width.
This varies according to species with some dianella only 30 centimetres high and others reaching over a metre tall. Clumps gradually spread to almost a metre wide, again depending on the species. Many new cultivars are very compact in size, spreading to only 30 centimetres in width.
What conditions do dianella prefer?
Most dianella are tolerant of full sun, though a few others do better in partial shade. They can be grown in colder areas, as many species – such as the native Australian Dianella revoluta and its cultivars – are frost tolerant (down to around -8°C).
Soil requirements are again down to the cultivar you choose. There are dianella to suit both dry and damp soils, but they won’t thrive in boggy conditions. The cultivar shown here lining the path is Dianella ‘Cassa Blue’.
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Most dianella are tolerant of full sun, though a few others do better in partial shade. They can be grown in colder areas, as many species – such as the native Australian Dianella revoluta and its cultivars – are frost tolerant (down to around -8°C).
Soil requirements are again down to the cultivar you choose. There are dianella to suit both dry and damp soils, but they won’t thrive in boggy conditions. The cultivar shown here lining the path is Dianella ‘Cassa Blue’.
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How often do I water dianella?
Water needs vary according to species, with some dianella requiring little water once plants are established, while others need regular irrigation. Always check with the nursery or garden centre on the correct watering regime.
Water needs vary according to species, with some dianella requiring little water once plants are established, while others need regular irrigation. Always check with the nursery or garden centre on the correct watering regime.
When do you feed dianella?
Sprinkling blood and bone or a slow-release fertiliser around plants in spring will keep plants looking lush and healthy. Remove brown foliage also on a regular basis.
Pests and diseases to watch out for
There are few if any pests and diseases that commonly affect dianella. However, it’s important to pick varieties that are tolerant of the conditions in your garden. If you grow a cultivar that is not tolerant of wet feet (very damp soil) for instance, dianella may suffer from root rot or rust.
Sprinkling blood and bone or a slow-release fertiliser around plants in spring will keep plants looking lush and healthy. Remove brown foliage also on a regular basis.
Pests and diseases to watch out for
There are few if any pests and diseases that commonly affect dianella. However, it’s important to pick varieties that are tolerant of the conditions in your garden. If you grow a cultivar that is not tolerant of wet feet (very damp soil) for instance, dianella may suffer from root rot or rust.
How to propagate dianella?
Plants can be propagated from ripe seed (generally late autumn). Or you can dividing the fleshy roots (rhizomes) as clumps grow larger. Do this in late autumn or winter, and plant pieces in a moist, shady spot.
Plants can be propagated from ripe seed (generally late autumn). Or you can dividing the fleshy roots (rhizomes) as clumps grow larger. Do this in late autumn or winter, and plant pieces in a moist, shady spot.
Interesting facts
Many dianella have a very thick rhizome, with some cultivars such as ‘King Alfred’ recommended for erosion control. Dianella can also attract birds to the garden, as they like to devour the distinctive purple berries.
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Many dianella have a very thick rhizome, with some cultivars such as ‘King Alfred’ recommended for erosion control. Dianella can also attract birds to the garden, as they like to devour the distinctive purple berries.
Tell us
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More
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Common name: Flax lily (Australia) and New Zealand blueberry or turutu (NZ).
Botanical name: Dianella
Origin: Wide-ranging genus with species native to countries from Japan to India, as well as Australia, NZ and many Pacific Islands
Plant type: Rhizomatous (grows from an underground rhizome) perennial.