Species

Dianella caeruleaBlue Flax Lily, Blueberry Lily, Paroo Lily

3 other cultivars

perennial

King Alfred Blue Flax Lily, Paroo Lily, Blue Flax Lily

Dianella caerulea 'King Alfred'

The Story

Plant Bio

Dianella caerulea, commonly known as the blue flax lily, is a clumping evergreen perennial native to forests, woodlands, and coastal heaths of eastern Australia. The species features strappy, occluded leaves that are folded lengthwise and fused at the base, producing cymose panicles of blue to violet-blue flowers with prominent yellow anthers.

'JOHN316', marketed as King Alfred, is a compact cultivar selected from a 'Sydney Ecotype' seedling at Castlereagh Nursery, New South Wales. It is distinguished by its lack of tall, floppy aerial canes and its exceptionally strong underground rhizomes that provide outstanding soil-strengthening erosion control.

Uses & Benefits:

Dense, blue-green strappy foliage with vivid red bases and delicate blue flowers followed by bright purple berries.

Strong underground rhizomes provide exceptional soil-strengthening erosion control, improving soil stability by over 752%.

Provides nectar for native bees and shelter for small birds, which also feed on the decorative berries.

SpeciesDianella caeruleaBlue Flax Lily, Blueberry Lily, Paroo Lily

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

28 inches

Width

28 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Berries non-edible

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to moderate shade with well-drained soil, though heavier clay is tolerated.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and backfill, ensuring the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the rhizomes, then maintain moderate moisture during establishment.
Apply a low-phosphorus slow-release native fertiliser once in spring if faster establishment or deeper foliage colour is desired.

Pro Tip

Cut the entire clump back hard to about 15 centimetres above the ground every one to two years to clear out old debris and maintain a tight, vigorous habit.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Cut back hard to 15 cm every 1-2 years to rejuvenate the clump.
Plant in clay or poorly drained spots where other strappy plants fail.
Use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser if feeding is necessary.

Don't

Do not overwater established plants, as they survive largely on natural rainfall.
Do not prune into old, leafless woody tissue if canes are absent.
Do not allow the soil to remain permanently waterlogged to avoid root rot.

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

Erosion control on slopesMass plantingBorder edgingCoastal gardensRain gardens

Companion Plants

Lomandra longifolia Westringia fruticosa Grevillea species Callistemon cultivars

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

King Alfred Blue Flax Lily, Paroo Lily, Blue Flax Lily questions

What zones can King Alfred Blue Flax Lily, Paroo Lily, Blue Flax Lily grow in?

King Alfred Blue Flax Lily, Paroo Lily, Blue 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 King Alfred Blue Flax Lily, Paroo Lily, Blue Flax Lily bloom?

King Alfred Blue Flax Lily, Paroo Lily, Blue 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 King Alfred Blue Flax Lily, Paroo Lily, Blue Flax Lily need full sun?

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

Is King Alfred Blue Flax Lily, Paroo Lily, Blue Flax Lily drought tolerant?

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