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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Blue Flax Lily 'Little Jess' performs well with relatively little water once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. Keep a newly planted specimen evenly watered through its first season; established plants can then follow the water needs above.
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
Combine Blue Flax Lily 'Little Jess' with plants that share its preference for happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed. 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. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
