Dianella ensifoliaCerulean Flax Lily

The Dianella ensifolia, or Cerulean Flax Lily, is a strappy evergreen clumper of 0.6 to 1 metre that carries sprays of small blue-white star flowers in spring and glossy violet-blue berries after them. Its fans of arching mid-green leaves give texture without bulk.

It is specified in mass for median strips, understorey beds and low borders, where its tolerance of both sun and shade removes the need to split a planting palette.

Specifications

• Height0.6 to 1 metre
• Width0.5 to 0.8 metres
• Native toTropical Asia through to Australia and the Pacific islands
• FoliageStrappy arching mid-green leaves held in flattened fans; evergreen
• Growth rateModerate

Conditions

• SoilAdapts to most well-drained soils including sandy and poor conditions
• LightFull sun to partial shade
• WaterLow to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
• ClimateThrives in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate regions

Additional Features

• FlowersAiry sprays of small blue-white star flowers in spring and summer
• FruitGlossy violet-blue berries following the flowers; the berries are not edible
• UsesIdeal for mass planting, median strips, understorey beds, low borders and erosion control on slopes
• SpacingPlant 0.4 to 0.5 metres apart for continuous cover
• Low MaintenanceCut old foliage back hard every few years to renew the clump
• Pest ResistanceGenerally pest-free and resilient
• Drought ToleranceHolds condition through dry periods once established
• VersatilityPerforms equally in full sun and deep shade, simplifying the palette

The Cerulean Flax Lily is a hard-wearing texture plant that carries a scheme from sun into shade without a change of species.