A delicate native perennial bearing exquisite purple flowers with finely fringed petals on wiry stems over grassy foliage in late spring. A dainty bush-tucker tuber and collector's wildflower.
At a glance
- Plant type: Perennial
- Mature size: 50 cm H × 30 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 Fringe Lily
Thysanotus tuberosus is a slow-growing perennial in the Asparagaceae family, native to New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. It reaches around 50 cm tall and 30 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Purple flowers appear in spring and summer.
Where to grow Fringe Lily
Fringe Lily suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and is a sought-after collector's plant.
Soil & planting
Fringe Lily does best in sandy and free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Fringe 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 Fringe Lily after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. For most gardens, it is low maintenance.
Using Fringe Lily in the garden
Fringe Lily earns its place for pots and courtyard containers, a feature or specimen planting and feeding bees and pollinators. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Fringe Lily sits most comfortably beside plants adapted to low water use and warm-temperate climate. A small cluster gives stronger visual impact than isolated plants scattered through the garden. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Fringe Lily
Plant Sale lists Fringe Lily as tube stock, potted plants, advanced specimens and seed. Use the quote builder above to ask about current stock, sizes and pricing.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Fringe Lily seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.
