Species

Dianella tasmanicaTasmanian Flax Lily

3 other cultivars

grass

Tasman Flax Lily

Dianella tasmanica 'Emerald Arch'

The Story

Plant Bio

Dianella tasmanica is a rhizomatous evergreen perennial native to southeastern Australia, forming dense, upright fans of broad, strap-like foliage. In spring, it produces tall, airy panicles of small, star-shaped blue to violet flowers with prominent yellow stamens, followed by glossy blue berries.

'Emerald Arch' is a compact, clumping cultivar selected for its broad, glossy, deep emerald green leaves that arch gracefully without producing aggressive above-ground canes. This cultivar rarely flowers in cultivation, making it primarily a structural foliage plant for shaded or coastal gardens.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structural interest with broad, glossy, emerald-green arching foliage.

Highly drought-tolerant once established and performs exceptionally well in dry shade and coastal winds.

Provides cover for small garden fauna and supports generalist local pollinating insects.

SpeciesDianella tasmanicaTasmanian Flax Lily

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

22"

Width

20"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Berries are toxic

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with well-drained sandy loam or clay loam, ideally in partial to heavy shade in hot climates.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant at the same depth as the container soil level.
Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture until the root system is established.
Apply a low-phosphorus, slow-release fertilizer once annually in early spring to support foliage growth.

Pro Tip

Do not shear this plant to the ground with hedge clippers in late winter; instead, groom it by pulling or cutting individual spent leaves at the base to avoid killing the crown.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in partial to heavy shade in hot, dry inland regions.
Ensure the soil drains freely to prevent root rot.
Remove individual dead or damaged leaves at the base by hand.

Don't

Do not shear the entire plant back to old woody wood.
Do not overwater or plant in heavy, waterlogged soils.
Do not plant in regions with high summer humidity where it performs poorly.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Border EdgingMass PlantingUnderstory PlantingContainer SpecimenCoastal Garden

Companion Plants

Heuchera Hosta Carex

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tasman Flax Lily questions

What zones can Tasman Flax Lily grow in?

Tasman 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 Tasman Flax Lily deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Tasman Flax Lily, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Tasman Flax Lily bloom?

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

Does Tasman Flax Lily need full sun?

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

Is Tasman Flax Lily drought tolerant?

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