4 named cultivars

grass

Blue Flax Lily, Blueberry Lily, Paroo Lily

The Story

Plant Bio

Dianella caerulea, commonly known as the blue flax lily, is an evergreen perennial native to eastern Australia and New Guinea, where it grows in coastal heathlands and open forests. The plant spreads via underground rhizomes to form dense, tufted clumps of rigid, strap-like leaves with parallel veins.

This species is distinguished by its terminal panicles of pale to deep blue flowers with prominent yellow stamen filaments, which appear from spring to summer. These blooms are followed by glossy, bright blue berries that are highly attractive to native birds and edible to humans.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round architectural structure with its strappy foliage, complemented by bright blue flowers and highly ornamental blue berries.

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

Supports native bees and insect pollinators with its pollen-rich flowers, while the berries provide food for native fruit-eating birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

71 inches

Width

79 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Eastern Australia, New Guinea

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to heavy shade with well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and of equal depth.
Gently loosen the outer roots of the plant before placing it in the hole.
Backfill with native soil, firm down gently, and water thoroughly to settle.

Pro Tip

When planting severely pot-bound nursery stock, slice or tease out the matted root ball, or cut the bottom three centimetres away, to prevent girdling and encourage outward root extension.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first summer to establish a deep root system.
Apply a low-phosphorus native fertiliser sparingly in spring.
Remove dead or damaged outer leaves manually at the base to maintain appearance.

Don't

Do not shear the entire clump to the ground, as cutting into old wood disfigures the plant.
Do not plant in poorly drained, waterlogged soils where rhizomes may rot.
Do not over-fertilise, as excessive nutrients can lead to floppy, weak foliage.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Understory plantingErosion control on banksMass plantingBorder edging

Companion Plants

Lomandra longifolia Correa reflexa Westringia fruticosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Blue Flax Lily, Blueberry Lily, Paroo Lily questions

What zones can Blue Flax Lily, Blueberry Lily, Paroo Lily grow in?

Blue Flax Lily, Blueberry Lily, Paroo Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Blue Flax Lily, Blueberry Lily, Paroo Lily bloom?

Blue Flax Lily, Blueberry Lily, Paroo 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, Blueberry Lily, Paroo Lily need full sun?

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

Is Blue Flax Lily, Blueberry Lily, Paroo Lily drought tolerant?

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