Dianella longifolia
pale flax-lily
Australia (all mainland states and Northern Territory)
Overview
Dianella longifolia is an evergreen tufted perennial growing 18-35 inches (45-90 cm) tall from short rhizomes, forming open grassy clumps. The leaves are strap-shaped, blue-green to grey-green, 12-28 inches (30-70 cm) long and 0.2-0.6 inch (5-15 mm) wide, with rough margins and folded bases. Branched airy flower stems rise above the foliage, carrying many small star-shaped flowers 0.4-0.6 inch (1-1.5 cm) across, pale blue to violet with bright yellow anthers, opening over spring and summer. Flowering is followed by shiny blue to purple berries 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) across. Growth is moderate, and clumps spread slowly by rhizomes to form loose colonies. Foliage can yellow and thin in heavy shade or prolonged drought. The berries contain compounds that may cause stomach upset if eaten in quantity.
Native Range
Native across much of Australia, including all mainland states and the Northern Territory. Grows in open forest, woodland, and grassland on a range of well-drained soils, from coastal lowlands to inland slopes.Suggested Uses
Planted in native, grassland, and low-water gardens, as a border edge, and in mass plantings, spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. Grown in containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L). The open clump and arching foliage suit naturalistic plantings and rockeries.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'11"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pale blue to violetFoliage Description
blue-green to grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 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 soils; foliage colour is deepest in full sun and thins in deep shade. Water through the first season to establish, after which clumps tolerate extended dry periods. Plants are frost hardy and stay evergreen in mild winters. Divide crowded clumps in spring every few years to keep them vigorous. Rust fungus can spot the leaves in humid conditions. Foliage may scorch at the tips in reflected heat or severe drought.Pruning
Cut or comb out old and damaged leaves in late winter to refresh the clump. Spent flower and berry stems are removed at the base once they fade. Plants reshoot new foliage from the crown in spring.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