Dianella brevicaulis
coast flax-lily
Overview
Dianella brevicaulis is an evergreen, tufted perennial forming clumps of strap-like leaves 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall, with flowering stems rising a little above the foliage. The leaves are flat, 0.2-0.6 inch (5-15 mm) wide, blue-green, leathery, and arranged in two ranks from a short stem at the base. Branched flowering stems carry many small star-shaped flowers, each 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) across, with blue to violet petals and prominent yellow anthers. Flowering occurs in spring and early summer. The flowers are followed by glossy berries 0.3-0.5 inch (8-12 mm) long that ripen deep blue to purple and persist for weeks. Plants spread slowly by short rhizomes to form wider clumps. The blue-green foliage stays evergreen and tolerates wind, salt spray, and drought. The species grows on coastal dunes, cliffs, and heath in southern Australia.
Native Range
Native to southern Australia, along the coasts of Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia, with some inland occurrences. Grows on dunes, clifftops, coastal heath, and limestone, tolerating salt-laden wind and sandy soils.Suggested Uses
Used in coastal gardens, low-water borders, mass plantings, and containers, spaced 16-24 inches (40-60 cm) apart. Suits exposed and saline sites where many plants struggle. The berries draw fruit-eating birds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
blue to violet with yellow anthersFoliage Description
blue-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-12 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 free-draining sandy or loamy soils, including coastal and limestone sites. Established clumps tolerate extended drought, wind, and salt spray, needing little water. It is frost-hardy in its range. Clumps slowly widen by rhizomes and can be lifted and divided in cool weather to make new plants. Old or damaged leaves can be cut back to refresh the clump. Few pests or diseases affect it.Pruning
No regular pruning is needed. Tired or frost-marked foliage can be cut back to near ground level in late winter to make way for fresh leaves. Spent flower and berry stems can be removed once they brown.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons