2 named cultivars

grass

Blue Flax-Lily

The Story

Plant Bio

Dianella revoluta, the blue flax-lily, is an evergreen rhizomatous perennial forming spreading clumps of stiff, strappy foliage. The arching or upright leaves feature distinctly rolled margins, providing a structural, grass-like presence in well-drained soils.

This species is distinguished by its branched flower panicles of deep violet-blue with prominent, contrasting yellow anthers, which emerge in spring and summer. The blooms are followed by glossy, porcelain-blue berries that persist on the stems.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round architectural structure with its glaucous, strappy foliage and colorful blue berries.

Excellent for erosion control on slopes and highly drought-tolerant once established.

Provides pollen for generalist insects and bees, though it does not attract hummingbirds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

40"

Width

60"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a location with full sun to partial shade and highly draining soil.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep rhizomatous root system.
Apply a slow-release, low-phosphorus fertilizer sparingly in spring only if growth is sluggish.
Remove dead or damaged leaves by pulling or cutting them individually at the base of the plant.

Pro Tip

Do not shear this plant to the ground like a true grass; cutting below the live green foliage line into bare, woody stems prevents reliable regeneration.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure excellent soil drainage to prevent root rot.
Selectively hand-pull dead foliage from the base to maintain a clean appearance.
Protect young plants from browsing deer and rabbits using physical barriers.

Don't

Do not shear or mow the foliage flat to the ground.
Do not overwater or plant in permanently wet, boggy soils.
Do not apply heavy doses of standard high-phosphorus fertilizers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mass PlantingBorder EdgingRock GardenCoastal GardenErosion Control

Companion Plants

Carex pensylvanica Sisyrinchium angustifolium Rosmarinus officinalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Blue Flax-Lily questions

What zones can Blue Flax-Lily grow in?

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.

Is Blue Flax-Lily deer resistant?

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

When does Blue Flax-Lily bloom?

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 Blue Flax-Lily need full sun?

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

Is Blue Flax-Lily drought tolerant?

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