Species

Dianella caeruleaBlue Flax-Lily

4 other cultivars

perennial

Blue Flax Lily

Dianella caerulea 'DCMP02'

The Story

Plant Bio

Dianella caerulea, commonly known as blue flax lily, is a rhizomatous evergreen perennial native to eastern Australia that forms clumping fans of strap-like foliage. In spring and early summer, it produces small, bluish-purple flowers with prominent yellow stamens on elevated panicles, followed by decorative blue berries.

'DCMP02' is a compact, symmetrical selection that reaches eighteen inches in height and width, featuring short canes that resist falling over. This cultivar offers significantly improved humidity resistance and root resilience compared to the wild species, making it highly adaptable to varying soil conditions.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides clean, glossy green vertical-to-weeping foliage fans and bright blue berries.

Highly drought-tolerant once established, with excellent salt spray and wind resistance in coastal areas.

Offers evergreen structural cover for small ground-dwelling wildlife in North American gardens.

SpeciesDianella caeruleaBlue Flax-Lily

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

18"

Width

18"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

High tolerance

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Berries are toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Spring – Early summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to heavy shade with well-draining soil, though clay-loams and heavy clays are tolerated.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at the same depth it was in the nursery container.
Water deeply during the first few months to establish a deep, drought-tolerant root system.
Apply a slow-release, low-phosphorus native fertilizer in spring to support new foliage growth.

Pro Tip

Leave an adequate leafy stem framework when cutting back the foliage; shearing the plant straight to the ground or cutting into the old, leafless woody crown prevents bud regeneration and can kill the plant.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first summer to ensure proper root establishment.
Prune back the foliage by half every two to three years to rejuvenate the clumping habit.
Ensure the planting site has moderate drainage to prevent prolonged waterlogging.

Don't

Do not cut the plant straight to the ground like turfgrass, as this destroys the regenerative buds.
Do not prune down into the old, leafless woody crown material.
Do not allow pets or children to ingest the bright blue berries, which contain toxic saponins.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mass PlantingBorder EdgingFoundation PlantingSeaside Gardens

Companion Plants

Lomandra longifolia Westringia fruticosa Anigozanthos Dietes grandiflora

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 early 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.