Tasmanian Flax Lily
Dianella tasmanica
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
30 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Average to high
Lifespan
Long-lived perennial
Native To
Australia, Tasmania
Toxicity
Berries are mildly toxic if ingested.
The Story
Plant Bio
Dianella tasmanica is a rhizomatous, evergreen perennial with strap-like leaves, forming dense clumps. It produces sprays of small, star-shaped blue flowers followed by attractive, glossy, violet-blue berries. This species is valued for its architectural, grass-like foliage and the striking contrast between its delicate flowers and bold, metallic-blue berries. It's a tough, low-maintenance plant for mild climates.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site with partial shade and well-draining soil.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the container.
- Gently tease out the roots if they are pot-bound.
- Set the plant at the same depth it was in the pot.
- Backfill the hole and water in well to settle soil.
- Apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Plant in a location protected from harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch and maintain the best foliage color.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide good drainage to prevent root rot.
- Water deeply but infrequently once established.
- Remove old or damaged foliage in early spring to encourage new growth.
- Plant in morning sun or dappled shade for best results.
Don't
- Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged soil.
- Avoid direct, hot afternoon sun which can burn the leaves.
- Do not over-fertilize; a light feeding in spring is sufficient.
- Do not ingest the berries as they are mildly toxic.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Tasmanian Flax Lily questions
What zones can Tasmanian Flax Lily grow in?
Tasmanian 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 Tasmanian Flax Lily deer resistant?
Yes — Tasmanian Flax Lily is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Tasmanian Flax Lily bloom?
Tasmanian Flax Lily typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Tasmanian Flax Lily need full sun?
Tasmanian Flax Lily does best in part shade.
Is Tasmanian Flax Lily drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Tasmanian Flax Lily handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Grow Tasmanian Flax Lily with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
