Caesia parviflora
pale grass lily
Overview
Caesia parviflora is a tufted perennial herb in the Asphodelaceae family growing 8-24 inches (20-60 cm) tall from a short rootstock with fleshy roots. The grass-like leaves are narrow and flat, 4-16 inches (10-40 cm) long and up to 0.2 inch (5 mm) wide, forming a loose basal tuft. Slender branched flower stems rise above the leaves carrying small star-shaped flowers 0.2-0.4 inch (5-10 mm) across, white to pale blue with a darker central stripe on each segment. The flowers open in succession from spring into summer, each lasting about a day, and twist closed after flowering. Small three-part capsules follow and release black seed. The plant dies back to the rootstock in dry summers and reshoots after rain. The wiry stems and small scattered flowers give an open, sparse look rather than a dense floral display.
Native Range
Native to eastern and southern Australia, occurring in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia. Grows in grassland, heath, and open woodland on a range of well-drained soils.Suggested Uses
Planted in native grassland plantings, rockeries, and meadow-style gardens, spaced 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) apart. The open flower stems suit mixed plantings with grasses and other small perennials. The summer dieback leaves gaps, which limits its use as year-round groundcover.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 2'
Width/Spread6" - 1'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to pale blueFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to part shade on well-drained sandy or loamy soil. Water through the growing season; the plant dies back to the rootstock in dry summers and reshoots after rain. Established plants tolerate dry periods and light frost. Few pests affect it in open positions. Crowded clumps can be lifted and divided in autumn to increase plantings.Pruning
No regular pruning is needed. Spent flower stems can be cut back after seed sets, and dried leaves can be removed as the plant dies down in summer. Division of the rootstock in autumn renews older clumps.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons