Species

1 other cultivar

‘Little Jess’Paroo Lily, Blue Flax Lily, Native Flax, Little Jess Flax Lily

perennial

Variegated Flax Lily

Dianella caerulea 'Variegata'

The Story

Plant Bio

Dianella are rhizomatous, grass-like perennials with strappy leaves, grown for their foliage, delicate flowers, and ornamental berries.

'Variegata' is prized for its attractive foliage: green, strap-like leaves with distinct white or cream-colored stripes along the margins. It also produces delicate blue flowers followed by shiny, dark blue berries.

Uses & Benefits:

The striking variegated foliage provides year-round color and a strong vertical texture that contrasts well with mounding plants. The delicate blue flowers and subsequent metallic blue berries are an added bonus.

Its excellent drought and heat tolerance make it a superb choice for low-water gardens, rock gardens, and containers in hot climates. It is also useful for adding bright color to dry, sunny borders.

The flowers attract small native bees and other pollinators. The berries are eaten by birds, though they are considered mildly toxic to mammals.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

21 inches

Width

15 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Berries are considered mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun and excellent drainage.
Amend heavy soils with sand or fine gravel to improve porosity.
Dig a hole the same depth as the pot.
Gently tease out the roots and place the plant in the hole.
Backfill with soil and water in well to settle.
Water sparingly once established; it is very drought tolerant.

Pro Tip

Provide excellent drainage, as this plant will quickly rot in heavy, wet soils, especially during winter dormancy.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in groups or masses for the greatest visual impact.
Use in containers, where drainage can be easily controlled.
Provide sharp drainage in all situations.
Remove old flower stalks after berries have faded.

Don't

Do not overwater, especially in winter.
Avoid planting in heavy clay soil without significant amendment.
Do not plant in deep shade, as foliage color will be poor.
Avoid heavy fertilization, which can lead to floppy growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Mulch
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Brightening border accent plantModern mass planting for textural contrastStriking thriller plant in container arrangements

Companion Plants

Agave Sedum 'Autumn Joy'Cordyline Phormium (New Zealand Flax)Echeveria

Good to Know

Common Questions

Variegated Flax Lily questions

What zones can Variegated Flax Lily grow in?

Variegated Flax Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Variegated Flax Lily deer resistant?

Yes — Variegated Flax Lily is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Variegated Flax Lily bloom?

Variegated Flax Lily typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Variegated Flax Lily need full sun?

Variegated Flax Lily does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Variegated Flax Lily drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Variegated Flax Lily handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.