Overview

Dianella caerulea is a perennial herb in the genus Dianella, part of the Asphodelaceae family. It typically grows around 0.8 m tall. Dianella caerulea grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is native to Australia and New Guinea.

About

Dianella caerulea is a perennial herb commonly called flax lily that reaches about 0.8 m. It flowers in the UK from June to August and sets ornamental berries. Native to Australia and New Guinea, it prefers a sunny spot in sandy or loamy, well-drained soil. Handle the fruit with care as they are ornamental and not to be eaten.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dianella caerulea

About the genus

Dianella is a genus of about forty species of flowering plants in the monocot family Asphodelaceae, commonly known as flax lilies. Plants in this genus are tufted herbs with more or less linear leaves and bisexual flowers with three sepals more or less similar to three petals and a superior ovary, the fruit a berry. They occur in Africa, South-east Asia, the Pacific Islands, New Zealand and Australia.

Wikipedia contributors, "Dianella (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dianella (plant)

In the garden

Dianella caerulea is a perennial herb native to Australia and New Guinea, growing to around 0.8 m. In the UK it flowers from June to August and later produces ornamental fruit; the plant's habit and size make it a measured, architectural element in planting schemes rather than a ground cover. Place it in full sun on sandy or loamy soil that drains well; the species tolerates moist but well-drained conditions rather than waterlogged ground. It is classed H4 (average) on the UK hardiness scale, so it withstands normal UK winter conditions in many areas; the USDA hardiness range is 8–11 where those zones apply. Use Dianella caerulea where a sun-loving, mid-height perennial is required — for sunny beds and mixed borders that have good drainage. It will sit comfortably beside other sun-tolerant herbaceous plants or in larger containers where root space and drainage are adequate. Take care when cutting back or handling ripe fruit: the berries are ornamental and not to be eaten, and protective gloves are recommended when working with the plant.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Dianella

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy

Soil moisture

Well-drained, Moist but well-drained

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Dianella caerulea size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial herb

Height

0.8 m

Native to

Australia, New Guinea

Toxicity

Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers

Frequently asked questions