Blue Flax Lily
Dianella caeruleafam. Asparagaceae
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Pl. B141 — Dianella caerulea
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IOverview
Overview
Blue Flax Lily (Dianella caerulea) is a perennial herb native to the coastal regions of New Guinea and northeastern Australia, specifically in New South Wales and Queensland. This plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained soil that can be either light (sandy) or medium-textured. It is known for its edible fruit and its ornamental value, making it a desirable addition to gardens. One distinctive feature of the Blue Flax Lily is its ability to grow up to 0.8 meters in height, providing a compact yet attractive presence in the landscape.
Quick answers
What is Blue Flax Lily?
Blue Flax Lily (Dianella caerulea) is a perennial herb native to the coastal regions of New Guinea and northeastern Australia, specifically in New South Wales and Queensland. This plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained soil that can be either light (sandy) or medium-textured.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Blue Flax Lily thrives in full sun and prefers a well-draining soil that can be light (sandy) or medium. It is hardy in zones 8-11, making it suitable for warmer climates. Keep the soil moist but not overly wet to mimic its natural habitat. This perennial grows up to 0.8 meters tall and produces edible fruit. Propagate through division of mature clumps in spring or by seed sowing in early summer.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
8-11
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.8 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Blue Flax Lily for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Blue Flax Lily in a sunny spot and follow these simple steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Blue Flax Lily bulbs or young plants, well-draining soil, a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use light, sandy soil with good drainage. Ensure containers have holes for water to escape.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Dig a hole twice as wide but not deeper than the bulb. Place bulbs 10-15 cm apart in the soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly until new growth appears, then reduce watering to avoid overwatering.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and water only when the soil feels dry. Fertilize once a year in spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to maintain plant health, but do not harvest for food.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to prune regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The Blue Flax Lily's fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. Typically, the fruit is consumed fresh but may also be dried for later use. Skip any cooking steps as the fruit retains its flavor best when enjoyed uncooked.
Other uses:Weaving materialFiber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
3 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
3 native · 1 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 3 native· 1 introduced
Americas1 region
introduced (1)United States
Broader regions
native:New Guinea, New South Wales, Queensland
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Asparagaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Asparagaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
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