Species

Dianella tasmanicaTasmanian Flax Lily

3 other cultivars

grass

Flax Lily

Dianella tasmanica 'Blaze'

The Story

Plant Bio

Dianella tasmanica is a clumping, evergreen perennial native to southeastern Australia and Tasmania, valued for its architectural, strap-like foliage. The species produces small, star-shaped blue-purple flowers with prominent yellow stamens on branched stems above the leaves, followed by glossy purple berries.

'NPW2' is a compact cultivar distinguished by its dramatic foliage color shifts throughout the year. The rigid linear leaves display deep red, purple, and chocolate-brown tones during the cooler months of fall, winter, and spring, transitioning to a greener shade during hot summer weather.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round architectural structure with dramatic, color-shifting foliage that turns deep purple-red in winter.

Highly drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent low-water alternative to water-thirsty ornamental grasses.

Flowers attract bees and general beneficial pollinators, while the dense clumping habit offers shelter for small garden fauna.

SpeciesDianella tasmanicaTasmanian Flax Lily

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

18"

Width

20"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with excellent drainage, amending heavy soils with organic matter or sand to prevent waterlogging.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, placing the plant so the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water thoroughly immediately after planting, and maintain regular watering for the first eight to thirteen weeks until established.
Apply a low-phosphorus, slow-release fertilizer once in spring to support seasonal growth without burning the roots.

Pro Tip

Avoid shearing this plant annually like a true grass; instead, cut the foliage back by half every three to four years to rejuvenate the clump without damaging the crown.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in well-drained sandy or loamy soil to avoid root rot.
Provide light to partial shade in hot, inland southern climates.
Trim dead or weathered leaves individually at the base to keep the clump tidy.

Don't

Do not allow the plant to sit in standing water or soggy, heavy clay.
Do not shear the foliage annually into old wood, as this can kill the plant.
Do not over-fertilize with high-phosphorus formulas.

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 EdgingCoastal GardensContainer PlantingRock Gardens

Companion Plants

Phormium Lomandra longifolia Carex oshimensis Salvia Agave

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Flax Lily questions

What zones can Flax Lily grow in?

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 Flax Lily deer resistant?

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

When does Flax Lily bloom?

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 Flax Lily need full sun?

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

Is Flax Lily drought tolerant?

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