A compact, clumping flax lily with deep green strappy leaves, sprays of blue starry flowers and purple berries. A neat, tough small native for borders, pots and mass planting.
At a glance
- Plant type: Ornamental grass
- Mature size: 40 cm H × 40 cm W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Little Jess Flax Lily
Botanically, Dianella 'Little Jess' is a moderate-growing ornamental grass in the Asphodelaceae family, native to Australia. 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 Little Jess Flax Lily
Little Jess 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
Little Jess Flax Lily does best in free-draining, loamy and clay soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Little Jess Flax Lily 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 Little Jess Flax Lily after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Expect a low maintenance care workload once it is established.
Using Little Jess Flax Lily in the garden
Little Jess Flax Lily earns its place for pots and courtyard containers, holding soil on banks and slopes, 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 easier irrigation and care, group Little Jess Flax Lily with species that also favour happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Leave enough room for the mature spread so neighbouring plants are not crowded out. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Little Jess Flax Lily
Plant Sale lists Little Jess Flax Lily as tube stock and potted plants. Catalogue forms are planning guidance until the Plant Sale team confirms live availability.
