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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Fringe Lily 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 Fringe Lily after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall 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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Fringe Lily with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants 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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Fringe Lily seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.