Species

Dianella revolutaBlue Flax-Lily

1 other cultivar

‘Little Rev’Little Rev Flax Lily

grass

Baby Bliss Flax Lily

Dianella revoluta 'Baby Bliss'

The Story

Plant Bio

Dianella revoluta, the black-anther flax lily, is a rhizomatous evergreen perennial native to Australia that forms dense, upright tufts of leathery, strap-like foliage. In spring and summer, the plants produce open, branching panicles of small violet-blue flowers with prominent yellow anthers, followed by glossy purple-blue berries.

'Baby Bliss' is a compact, tight-clumping cultivar distinguished by its neat, uniform architectural form and powdery blue-green foliage coated in a heavy wax layer. This selection reaches only ten to twelve inches in height and width, making it significantly smaller and more structured than the wild species.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round architectural structure with its tight-clumping habit and striking powdery blue-green foliage.

Highly drought-resistant and salt-tolerant, making it excellent for low-water landscaping and coastal exposures.

Attracts native bees and beneficial insects for pollination, while the glossy berries provide food for seed-eating birds.

SpeciesDianella revolutaBlue Flax-Lily

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

11"

Width

11"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Toxic to pets and humans if ingested

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with excellent drainage, avoiding any low-lying areas where water collects.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but at the exact same depth, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Backfill with native soil, press firmly to eliminate air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the plant, keeping it at least two inches away from the base of the foliage.

Pro Tip

Keep mulch and soil clear of the plant's crown to prevent suffocating the rhizomes. Pruning annually like a hedge ruins the natural form; instead, cut the foliage back to half its height only once every three to seven years.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Do plant in well-draining sandy loam or clay loam soils.
Do water regularly during the first growing season until the root system is fully established.
Do use a low-phosphorus, slow-release fertilizer sparingly in spring if foliage color fades.

Don't

Don't bury the crown below the soil line or cover the base heavily with mulch.
Don't plant in depressed landscape areas where water pools after rain.
Don't prune the foliage annually or cut down into the old, leafless woody base.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Border EdgingMass PlantingRock GardensCoastal GardensContainer Planting

Companion Plants

Lomandra longifolia Salvia clevelandii Rosmarinus officinalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Baby Bliss Flax Lily questions

What zones can Baby Bliss Flax Lily grow in?

Baby Bliss Flax Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Baby Bliss Flax Lily deer resistant?

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

When does Baby Bliss Flax Lily bloom?

Baby Bliss 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 Baby Bliss Flax Lily need full sun?

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

Is Baby Bliss Flax Lily drought tolerant?

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