Flax Lily
Dianella revolutafam. Asparagaceae
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Pl. 1A16 — Dianella revoluta
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IOverview
Overview
Flax Lily, scientifically known as Dianella revoluta, is a perennial plant native to the southeastern and southwestern regions of Australia, including New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria, as well as Western Australia. This light-loving species thrives in dry to moist conditions and prefers sandy or medium soil types. It can grow up to 1 meter tall and is known for its edible fruit and leaves, making it a valuable resource in the native ecosystem. Its distinctive features include arching stems and narrow, sword-like leaves that give it a unique appearance among other plants in its habitat.
Quick answers
What is Flax Lily?
Flax Lily, scientifically known as Dianella revoluta, is a perennial plant native to the southeastern and southwestern regions of Australia, including New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria, as well as Western Australia.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Flax Lily thrives in full sun and prefers light to medium soil types. It can tolerate dry conditions but also performs well in moist environments. This perennial is hardy in zones 8-11 and grows up to 1 meter tall. For propagation, division or seed sowing are effective methods. Harvest edible parts such as the fruit and leaves.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
8-11
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Flax Lily for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Flax Lily in a sunny spot and follow these simple steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Flax Lily plants or seeds, potting mix suitable for perennials, water can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or autumn when the weather is mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining soil mix. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from nursery pots into your garden or pot them up.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to help the plant settle in, but avoid overwatering.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and water only when the soil is dry. Prune dead leaves as needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back old foliage to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to prune dead leaves.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeaves
Edible uses: The flax lily's fruit and leaves are edible. The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked, while the leaves are typically used fresh in salads or as a wrapping for food. Skip the preparation details to maintain brevity.
Other uses:Weaving materialFiber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
6 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
6 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 6 native
Broader regions
native:New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia
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
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 1a169013-d543-4d5c-8a7a-1604ce79e1b5
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