2 named cultivars

grass

Blueberry Lily, Blue Flax-Lily, Black-Anther Flax-Lily, Spreading Flax-Lily

The Story

Plant Bio

Dianella revoluta, commonly known as the blueberry lily, is a tufted, rhizomatous evergreen perennial native to a wide range of Australian environments. The species spreads via short underground rhizomes to form dense, architectural clumps of stiff, strap-like foliage.

This species is distinguished by its rolled, blue-green to grey-green leaves and star-shaped blue flowers featuring prominent blackish-yellow anthers. The blooms are followed by bright blue berries that persist on the plant and serve as a food source for native birds.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round architectural structure with its stiff, blue-green strappy leaves and contrasting bright blue berries.

Excellent for soil stabilisation and erosion control on banks due to its spreading rhizomatous root system.

Provides food for native buzz-pollinating bees and shelter and berries for native birds like honeyeaters.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

39 inches

Width

59 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

High tolerance

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a position that receives full sun to partial shade.
Ensure the soil is well-drained, as the plant does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
Water regularly until the root system is established, after which it is highly drought-tolerant.
Apply a low-phosphorus native slow-release fertiliser sparingly in spring if required.

Pro Tip

Avoid the common mistake of shearing clumps to the ground annually like exotic grasses; instead, only trim dead leaf tips or perform a rejuvenation cut back to the base every three to four years to prevent scalping the woody crown.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Remove dead or damaged leaves individually from the base to keep the clump tidy.
Ensure excellent air circulation around the foliage to prevent rust infections.
Water deeply but infrequently once the plant is established.

Don't

Do not shear the plant hard back to ground level into the old woody crown.
Do not overwater or plant in heavy, poorly drained soils.
Do not apply high-phosphorus fertilisers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mass plantingErosion controlCoastal gardensRock gardensBorder edging

Companion Plants

Lomandra longifolia Anigozanthos flavidus Westringia fruticosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Blueberry Lily, Blue Flax-Lily, Black-Anther Flax-Lily, Spreading Flax-Lily questions

What zones can Blueberry Lily, Blue Flax-Lily, Black-Anther Flax-Lily, Spreading Flax-Lily grow in?

Blueberry Lily, Blue Flax-Lily, Black-Anther Flax-Lily, Spreading 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 Blueberry Lily, Blue Flax-Lily, Black-Anther Flax-Lily, Spreading Flax-Lily bloom?

Blueberry Lily, Blue Flax-Lily, Black-Anther Flax-Lily, Spreading 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 Blueberry Lily, Blue Flax-Lily, Black-Anther Flax-Lily, Spreading Flax-Lily need full sun?

Blueberry Lily, Blue Flax-Lily, Black-Anther Flax-Lily, Spreading Flax-Lily does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Blueberry Lily, Blue Flax-Lily, Black-Anther Flax-Lily, Spreading Flax-Lily drought tolerant?

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