Species

Dianella tasmanicaTasmanian Flax Lily

1 other cultivar

‘Variegata’Blueberry Flax Lily

grass

Silver Streak Flax Lily

Dianella tasmanica 'Silver Streak'

The Story

Plant Bio

Dianella tasmanica is a robust, rhizomatous evergreen perennial native to the moist forest margins, woodlands, and coastal regions of southeastern Australia. The species forms broad clumps of leathery, strap-like leaves and produces small, star-shaped violet flowers followed by metallic blue berries.

'Silver Streak' is a compact horticultural selection distinguished by its striking, creamy-white to silver margins that run the length of each dark green leaf. This cultivar maintains a neat, arching form reaching 40 to 60 centimetres in height, making it significantly more compact than the wild parent species.

Uses & Benefits:

Bold, variegated foliage with silver-white margins provides year-round architectural structure, complemented by spring flowers and metallic blue berries.

Serves as an effective, low-maintenance border or mass planting that tolerates coastal exposure and moderate drought once established.

Provides nectar for native bees and beneficial insect pollinators, while the glossy berries serve as a food source for native birds and small marsupials.

SpeciesDianella tasmanicaTasmanian Flax Lily

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

24 inches

Width

28 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia (parent species)

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade, opting for afternoon shade in hot inland climates to prevent leaf-tip scorch.
Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and plant at the same depth as the container soil level, ensuring the crown is not buried.
Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture during the establishment phase to prevent leaf-tip burn.
Apply a slow-release, balanced native or general-purpose fertiliser in early spring to support new growth.

Pro Tip

Avoid shearing the foliage annually; instead, reserve hard cutbacks to 10–15 cm above the ground for a three-to-four-year rejuvenation cycle to prevent weakening the rhizome.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in morning sun with afternoon dapple in hot inland regions to protect the white variegation.
Apply a balanced ornamental or native fertiliser annually in early spring.
Clear mulch away from the crown to reduce shelter for snails and slugs.

Don't

Do not shear the plant back to ground level every year, as this weakens the rhizomatous root system.
Do not plant in poorly drained, waterlogged soils where root rot can develop.
Do not use strictly low-phosphorus fertilisers, as Dianella tolerates standard balanced formulations.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Border edgingMass plantingCourtyard gardensCoastal gardens

Companion Plants

Shade-tolerant understory ferns Southeastern Australian woodland shrubs

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Silver Streak Flax Lily questions

What zones can Silver Streak Flax Lily grow in?

Silver Streak 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.

When does Silver Streak Flax Lily bloom?

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

Does Silver Streak Flax Lily need full sun?

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

Is Silver Streak Flax Lily drought tolerant?

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