Flax Lily
- Common Name: Flax Lily
- Scientific Name: Dianella caerulea
- Family Name: Asphodelaceae
- Origin: Australia
- Height: 1 to 3 ft
- Width: 1 to 3 ft
- Growth: Fast
- Zone: USDA Zones 7 through 11
- Light needs: Full sun to part shade.
- Salt tolerance: Low
- Soil/pH/Texture: Grows best in well-drained soils of any texture with a mildly acidic to neutral pH 6.0 and 7.0. between.
- Moisture: Moderate water needs – water regularly until established.
- Drought tolerance: High
- Pests/Diseases: Occasional mites and aphids.
- Growing conditions: Grow this plant in a well-drained area. Other than this requirement, flax lily is very low maintenance and can grow in a variety of conditions. It is drought tolerant once established and tolerates both sun and shade. It also does very well in containers. Frost may cause it to die back, but well-established plants will grow back once temperatures rise.
- Characteristics: This grass-like, clumping plant has leaves that emerge form a central point. These leaves are long and glossy, like large blades of grass, and some varieties have white variegation along the margins. The inflorescences grow on thin spikes which emerge from the base of the plant. These flowers are blue with prominent yellow stamens and grow in drooping clusters. The fruits are small, round, bright blue berries.
- Propagation: By seeds or by division.
- Wildlife: Birds eat the berries.
- Facts: The genus name “Dianella” is derived from the Roman goddess Diana.
- Designer considerations: Flax lily is commonly used for ground cover and border planting due to its clumping habit. Plant it in front of tall, upright plants to create a layered backdrop with height contrast.
Location
Butterfly Garden
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Flax Lily