Flax lily , scientifically known as Dianella tasmanica , belongs to the Asphodelaceae sept , within the subfamily Hemerocallidoideae , a group of monocots that include other shoulder strap - leaved perennials like daylilies . The genus Dianella comprise about 40 species , mostly native to Australia , and is named after Diana , the R.C. goddess , meditate the plant ’s graceful beauty . The coinage name “ tasmanica ” bespeak its solid association with Tasmania , though it grows elsewhere . Previously placed in the Liliaceae or Phormiaceae families , its current categorisation aligns it with xerophytic plants adapted to diverse mood , distinguishing it from dependable lily despite its plebeian name .

Dianella tasmanica is an evergreen , clump - forming perennial , growing 1–3 metrical foot ( 30–90 cm ) marvelous and 1–2 feet ( 30–60 cm ) wide , with a rhizomatous rootage organisation . Its shoulder strap - alike , arching leaves are tough , running , and recondite green , quantify 12–30 inches ( 30–75 centimeter ) foresightful and 0.5–1 inch ( 1.3–2.5 cm ) wide , sometimes with a blueish tint or variegated in cultivars like ‘ Variegata ’ . In spring to summer , delicate , pendulous , star - shape flowers , 0.5 inch ( 1.3 curium ) wide , bloom on slim , branched panicles above the foliage , displaying vibrant blue petals with yellow anthers . These give direction to glistening , dismal - purple berries , 0.3–0.5 inch ( 0.8–1.3 cm ) long , persisting into fall . Its tidy , skunk - like form and colored accent make it visually appealing yr - round .

Flax lily is native to southeastern Australia , primarily Tasmania , Victoria , and parts of New South Wales , where it thrives in eucalyptus forests , woodlands , and coastal heathlands . It grows in a range of soils , from sandy loams to remains , often in shaded or semi - shaded understories . Due to its ornamental value , it has been wide cultivated beyond Australia , democratic in the United States ( specially California and the Southeast ) , New Zealand , and Mediterranean climates . It is not invasive but has naturalized in some garden setting , peculiarly in mild , frost - spare region where its berries are spread by birds .

Dianella tasmanica is stout in USDA zones 8b–11 , tolerating temperature as low as 15 ° F ( -9 ° C ) for short periods , though prolonged cold may damage foliage . It thrives in temperate to subtropical climates with temperatures between 50 ° farad and 85 ° F ( 10 ° C–29 ° C ) , ideal for coastal and inland garden . In zone 8b–9a , it benefits from wintertime protection , such as mulch , to shield stem . In colder zone ( below 8b ) , it can be grown in containers and bring indoors during wintertime , adapting well to indoor stipulation with bright , indirect light and minimum watering .

Flax lily is a various works in landscape gardening , valued for its lush leaf , vibrant berries , and low - maintenance nature . Its clunking habit makes it ideal for borders , wad planting , or groundcovers in shaded or semi - shaded garden , where it summate texture under trees or shrubs . It surpass in coastal , Mediterranean , or aboriginal garden , tolerating drouth and salt nebuliser once established . As an speech pattern in rock gardens , near urine features , or in mixed perennial beds , its dismal flowers and berries provide seasonal colour . In containers , it enhances patio or balcony , particularly motley cultivar for optical contrast . Its deer electric resistance and power to stabilise slopes make it hard-nosed , though berries should be kept from pet or child due to mild perniciousness .

How To Grow And Care For Flax lily (Dianella tasmanica)

cultivate Flax lily ( Dianella tasmanica ) is repay due to its attractive foliation , vivacious flowers , and low - maintenance nature .

Light necessary

Provide partial shade to full nuance , with 2–4 hour of trickle sunlight or morning Lord’s Day ideal for sound growth and vivid leaf color . In cool climates , it stomach full sun , but intense good afternoon sun in spicy area can sear leaves . Indoors , place near an east - face window or under grow light to mimic its preferred dappled scant precondition .

Soil Preferences

works in well - draining , slightly acidic to impersonal soil ( pH 5.5–7.0 ) , such as sandy loam or enriched garden soil . Incorporate constituent matter like compost to improve fertility and complex body part , but void heavy Henry Clay that hold water . For container , use a standard potting mix with added perlite to ensure drainage and prevent root word hogwash .

Watering Needs

piss regularly during the first yr to establish roots , keeping grunge consistently moist but not soggy , about 1 column inch ( 2.5 centimeter ) weekly . Once make , water every 10–14 days in summertime , allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings , and cut in winter . Overwatering causes yellowing leaves , so check dirt moisture before watering to deflect excess .

Temperature Range

rise in USDA zones 8b–11 , where temperatures range from 15 ° atomic number 9 to 85 ° F ( -9 ° C to 29 ° C ) . It tolerates brief stale snaps but may abide foliage harm below 20 ° F ( -6 ° atomic number 6 ) ; mulch roots in zone 8b–9a for protection . In cold zones , cultivate in can and move indoors during winter , maintaining 50 ° F ( 10 ° C ) or high with minimal urine .

Humidity Levels

Flax lily thrive in moderate humidness ( 40–60 % ) , distinctive of coastal or woodland configurations . It adapts to low humidness but benefit from occasional misting indoors in dry conditions , specially during wintertime heating . Ensure good air circulation to forestall fungous issues , avoiding overly humid , stagnant environments .

Container Selection

Fertilization

Apply a balanced , slow - release fertiliser ( e.g. , 10 - 10 - 10 NPK ) in early spring to encourage increment and flowering . or else , expend a diluted melted fertiliser monthly during spring – summer . forfend over - fertilizing , as excess nutrient do lush foliage at the expense of flowers or Chuck Berry ; omission feed in surrender and winter .

Pruning

Trim dead , damaged , or yellow leafage in late winter or former spring to uphold a goodly appearance , using clean shears to ignore at the fundament . Remove expend flower chaff after Charles Edward Berry drop to promote raw growth . Light pruning every 2–3 eld rejuvenates obtuse clumps , but avoid heavy cutting to preserve the plant ’s instinctive form .

Propagation

Propagate by division or germ . Divide chunk in springiness , separating rhizomes with healthy shoots and replanting in dampish soil ; new growing appears in 4–6 weeks . seed , sown in a well - draining mix at 65–75 ° F ( 18–24 ° cytosine ) , develop in 4–8 weeks but are dull to mature . sectionalization is preferred for quicker results and true - to - case plant .

Pest Control

supervise for pests like aphids , exfoliation , or spider mites , which may impress stressed plants . Inspect go out regularly , treating infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil , applied in early morning . Maintain right lacrimation and avoid overcrowding to enhance resiliency , as healthy Flax lilies are less prone to pest issues .

Repotting

Repot every 2–3 year in saltation , or when ascendant outgrow the container . lightly take away the plant , shake off onetime soil , and divide clumps if desired before replanting in smart potting mix . Water lightly after repot and keep in partial shade for a week to reduce transplant shock , secure fantabulous drainage .

Winter Care

In geographical zone 8b–9a , mulch around the radical with 2 column inch ( 5 cm ) of constitutive material to isolate theme during cold snaps . If leaf browns after frost , hold off until spring to trim , as beginning often survive . Indoor plants require lustrous , collateral Inner Light , coolheaded temperatures ( 50–60 ° F/10–16 ° C ) , and thin watering to mimic quiescence .

Common Issues

handle overwatering ( yellow leaves , base rot ) by improve drain and reducing frequency . Underwatering ( drooping , juiceless leaves ) involve slight lacrimation increases . Poor flowering often indicates too much nicety or excess nitrogen ; align light exposure or fertilizer . Leaf burn from direct Lord’s Day can be mitigated by relocating to suspect spots in hot climates .