A clumping strappy native with starry blue flowers followed by glossy violet berries that draw birds. Tough, tidy and at home in mass plantings or pots.
At a glance
- Plant type: Ornamental grass
- Mature size: 80 cm tall
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Blue Flax-Lily
Botanically, Dianella caerulea is an moderate-growing ornamental grass in the Asphodelaceae family, native to New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. It reaches around 80 cm tall at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Blue and purple flowers appear in spring and summer.
Where to grow Blue Flax-Lily
Blue Flax-Lily suits warm-temperate, subtropical and cool-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds and is a genuinely water-wise choice.
Soil & planting
Most soils suit Blue Flax-Lily provided drainage is reasonable. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Blue Flax-Lily is very drought tolerant once established, 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 after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Blue Flax-Lily in the garden
Blue Flax-Lily earns its place for holding soil on banks and slopes, pots and courtyard containers, a feature or specimen planting 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 with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant 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.