A compact, clumping strap-leaved flax lily with airy sprays of blue starry flowers followed by glossy purple berries. A tough, low-care mass-planting and border grass for sun or shade.
At a glance
- Plant type: Ornamental grass
- Mature size: 40 cm H × 40 cm W
- Aspect: full sun, part shade or morning sun and shade and low-light positions
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Blue Flax Lily 'Little Jess'
Botanically, Dianella caerulea 'Little Jess' is an ornamental grass in the Asphodelaceae family, native to New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. It reaches around 40 cm tall and 40 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Blue and purple flowers appear in spring and summer.
Where to grow Blue Flax Lily 'Little Jess'
Blue Flax Lily 'Little Jess' suits warm-temperate, subtropical, cool-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun, part shade or morning sun and shade and low-light positions. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice, tolerates salt-laden coastal winds and is usually left alone by rabbits.
Soil & planting
Blue Flax Lily 'Little Jess' does best in free-draining, clay and sandy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Blue Flax Lily 'Little Jess' is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Blue Flax Lily 'Little Jess' after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Blue Flax Lily 'Little Jess' in the garden
Blue Flax Lily 'Little Jess' earns its place for holding soil on banks and slopes, pots and courtyard containers and drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Blue Flax Lily 'Little Jess' with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Blue Flax Lily 'Little Jess'
Plant Sale lists Blue Flax Lily 'Little Jess' as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.