Dianella – How to Grow Flax Lilies in Australia

10 Most Popular Dianella Species

As mentioned, there are about 40 species in this genus but we’ll be looking at our ten most popular and ornamental varieties. Each cultivar may have different heights, habits and leaf colours. These include green, burgundy, and grey. Some varieties even come with variegated colors. 

Our native dianellas are used widely in garden cultivation around the world so we certainly seem to be home to some of the best in the genus. 

Dianella Caerulea – Blue Flax Lily/Paroo Lily

This variety is found in the eastern states of Australia and New Zealand. It is characterized with strappy, bright green bladelike leaves and soft Blue blooms from Spring to Summer. This is followed by indigo coloured Berries. 

This variety is approximately one metre tall and wide. It can withstand snow and frost, as well as other conditions.

These are some the most well-known cultivars.

• Dianella Caerulea ‘Little Jess’
• Dianella Caerulea ‘King Alfred’
• Dianella Caerulea ‘Emerald Fountain’

Dianella Revoluta – Black Anther Flax Lily

This variety is an endemic species in Australia. It is widely distributed so that it can thrive under all conditions. Another popular Dianella variety is the one found in gardens. It can reach one metre in height and 1.5 metres in width. 

Its green, tufted-grass-like leaves are accented by violet blooms that delicately hang from the stems from Spring through Summer.

You can then expect brilliantly-purple berries to emerge that will further highlight this plant’s stunning presence in landscapes. 

These are some the most well-known cultivars.

• Dianella Revoluta ‘Little Rev’
• Dianella Revoluta ‘Prestige’

Learn how to take care of Dianella Revoluta. 

Dianella Tasmanica – Tasman Flax Lily

This variety can also be found in south-eastern Australia, which includes Tasmania. It is also a common species in gardens across the country. It also produces blue flowers that are followed by violet berries in summer. 

This plant is one among the most durable in the genus. It can also be grown indoors in brightly lit areas, in warmer regions. 

The leaves are straight and smooth-green, with a upright form. This variety is perfect for coastal gardens and shaded areas. It can grow to approximately 2 metres in height and width. 

These are some the most well-known cultivars.

• Dianella Tasmanica ‘Rainbow’
• Dianella Tasmanica ‘Little Devil’

Dianella Longifolia – Pale Flax Lily

This variety is distinctive among the rest of the genus as it produces lighter grass-like plants, pale blue flowers with pale anthers and paler Blueberries. 

Sure, the flowers and fruits aren’t as vibrant but this variety can still look fantastic, especially when planted in masses. Because of its straight, arching leaves, this plant is more relaxed. It is also very hardy overall. 

It can be found in Australia’s non-arid regions and can grow up to 1.5m high and wide. The most popular cultivar is Dianella Longifolia. ‘Forte’.

Dianella Brevicaulis – Coast Flax Lily

This variety has a longer reaching form where the leaf is wider than average and arches to an even greater extent. It has a lighter appearance than other varieties of this genus. 

This plant is native from southern Australia, as its common names suggest. It prefers sandy soils, and can be found along the coast and in subcoastal areas. 

The soft green leaves form large clusters that conceal the flowering stalks. It can grow up to 0.5 m high and 1 meter wide. 

Dianella Nigra – New Zealand Blueberry

This evergreen is native New Zealand. It can reach approximately 50cm height and 30cm width. It produces delicate white flowers, which are followed by violet-colored berries. These berries are atop lush, bright-green, strappy leaves. 

Because of its small size, this variety is ideal for container gardening. 

Dianella Brevipedunculata

Another small-growing variety in the genus. This plant is compact, clumping and produces blueish purple sprays. These are followed by decorative purple blooms. 

It can be used in mass plantings, rockeries, and as an edge plant in landscaping borders. It can reach 50cm height and is wider than other species in its genus.

This native is another option if you want to plant colourful container plants. 

Dianella Amoena – Matted Flax Lily

It is threatened in many parts of Australia. It has long, grey-green foliage that grows in clumps due to its extensive underground root system. 

This is the common name for this plant’s extensive rhizomatous ability to quickly form large mats in beds up to 5 m wide. 

This plant is very similar to its relatives in that it has very slim leaves and blueish purple flowers. This variety can reach up to 90 cm tall. 

Dianella Congesta

This lesser-known variety looks very similar to the revoluta, but it grows smaller. It is a tall, upright plant that has drooping leaf. It is a great choice for rockeries and cottage gardens as well as being a seaside plant. 

It can reach approximately 50 cm in height and breadth. This plant can also grown in pots. It produces dark blue flowers throughout its life span and bright purple fruits when the right conditions are met. 

Dianella Ensifolia – Umbrella Dracaena/Common Dianella

This species is more prevalent worldwide as it is a native to many countries like India, Madagascar, Singapore, and others. It can be found in lush ground cover and grasslands, as well as rainforests. 

Its bright-green, leathery-green leaves are pointed at the ends and tapered at their ends. Its white flowers are yellow anthers with white petals. It also produces deep blueberries. It can grow to approximately 2 metres in height. 

This species is great in larger gardens due to its upright and large clumping. It can be planted in large numbers to create beautiful, vibrant displays throughout the year. 

You can be confident that no matter which species you plant, your garden will have a beautiful, vibrant presence. 

These plants are more difficult to find than other plants, but they are easy enough to propagate to have as many plants over time as you want. 

While some species may require more shade or moisture than others; however, all Dianella species will need the same growing conditions and care requirements. This guide can be used to help you choose the right species.