Dianella tasmanica
Tasman flax-lily
Southeastern Australia (Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales)
Overview
Dianella tasmanica is a clumping evergreen perennial in the Asphodelaceae family, forming tufts of strap-shaped leaves 24-40 inches (60-100 cm) long and about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide that arch outward from the base. The clump reaches 16-24 inches (40-60 cm) tall in leaf, with branched flowering stems rising to 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m). In spring and early summer it carries airy panicles of small nodding blue to violet flowers, each about 0.4-0.6 inch (1-1.5 cm) across with six petals and contrasting bright yellow anthers. The flowers are followed by glossy deep violet-blue berries roughly 0.4 inch (1 cm) long that persist into autumn. It is native to cool, moist forests of southeastern Australia and tolerates more shade and cold than many flax-lilies, withstanding light frost. Established clumps are drought tolerant and spread slowly by rhizomes to form colonies. The leaf margins and midribs are finely toothed and can feel rough.
Native Range
Dianella tasmanica is native to southeastern Australia, including Tasmania, Victoria, and southern New South Wales, where it grows in the understorey of cool, moist eucalypt forests. It is named for Tasmania, part of its natural range.Suggested Uses
Used as a mass planting, understorey filler, and border edge in shaded and woodland gardens, spaced 18-30 inches (45-75 cm) apart. It also grows in containers and tolerates coastal and urban conditions. The blue flowers and violet berries add colour to low-light areas where flowering plants are limited.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'4" - 5'
Width/Spread1'8" - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in spring and early summer, roughly September to December in the Southern Hemisphere. The branched stems hold loose sprays of blue-violet flowers that open over several weeks. Violet-blue berries follow and can remain on the stems through autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Blue to violetFoliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 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 part shade to full shade, and in cooler climates full sun, in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5-7.0. It tolerates a range of soils including clay and accepts periods of dryness once the clump is established. Light frost is tolerated, and the evergreen foliage holds through winter in mild areas. Clumps are divided in spring to propagate or to control spread. Removing spent flower stems keeps the clump tidy, though the berries are often left for colour.Pruning
Tired or frost-marked foliage is cut back to the base in late winter, prompting fresh growth. Spent flowering stems are trimmed at the base once the berries finish. Old clumps are lifted and divided every few years to maintain vigour.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