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Flax lilies (Dianella)
Flax lilies are grass-like plants that have long, narrow leaves with strong, silky fiber, which were used for making baskets by Indigenous Australians. Flax lilies bloom with blue flowers that eventually turn into small, blueberry-like fruit. The genus was named Dianella in honor of Diana, the Roman goddess of wild animals and hunt. These charming flowers are often cultivated as ornamental perennials.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Succulent
Key Facts About Flax lilies
Feedback
Attributes of Flax lilies
Plant Height
1.2 m
Spread
50 cm
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
15 - 38 ℃
Scientific Classification of Flax lilies
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Monocotyledons
Order
Asparagus and allies
Family
Asphodel
Genus
Flax lilies
Distribution of Flax lilies
Feedback
Distribution Map of Flax lilies
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Flax lilies
Feedback
Flax lilies is a hardy genus of perennial plants, well-valued for its attractive foliage and vibrant berries. In terms of Basic Care Needs, they prefer well-drained soil and a location with full sun to partial shade. They are fairly drought-tolerant but do appreciate regular watering. The Common Challenges to be aware of include leaf spot diseases, root rot from excessive watering, and occasional pests like aphids. Seasonal Considerations entail cutting back old foliage in early spring to stimulate fresh growth, and providing extra water in particularly hot summers.
Exploring the Flax lilies Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Tasmanian flax-lily
Tasmanian flax-lily (Dianella tasmanica) is an Australian herbaceous species that has made its way into many Australian gardens. It grows well with partial shade and regular moisture. Its flowers bloom between summer and winter and are followed by small purple berries. Unlike some related plants the fruits of tasmanian flax-lily are toxic.
Ink berry
The ink berry is a grass-like plant that produces a fruit similar to blackberries. Though attractive and regularly eaten by birds, these berries are reported to be poisonous to humans. When squeezed, the berries produce an ink-like fluid, which explains the plant's common name. Ink berry is sometimes grown as a garden plant, thanks to its ornamental properties.
Flax lily
Flax lily (Dianella ensifolia) is a low-growing perennial native to swampy areas. The plant can grow up to 1.5 m tall and spreads at the root to form large clumps. Juice from the fleshy berries has been used as a dye for textiles and garments and is even capable of staining pavement.
Variegated flax lily
Variegated flax lily is a green and white beauty with evergreen ribbon-like leaves that offer plenty of ornamental appeal. It thrives even in exposed garden locations. It spreads well and is popular in mass plantings or when grown in containers.
Blueberry lily
Blueberry lily is known for its striking architectural form, with long, sword-like blue-green leaves that often display a slight ruffle on the edges. This hardy species thrives across diverse settings, owing to its robust root system. Small blue flowers emerge in spring, transforming into vivid purple berries, making it a favorite for both visual appeal and resilience.
Cerulean flaxlily
Cerulean flaxlily dances in the wind with vibrant blue-purple flowers, making it an eye-catching favorite in gardens and commercial landscapes. It favors lightly shaded areas, bringing a pop of perennial color early in the year. Though cerulean flaxlily lacks culinary use, it’s superb at attracting native Australian birds, enabling gardeners to connect with local wildlife. Its shimmering berries and unique appearance make cerulean flaxlily a spectacular addition to any outdoor space.
Dianella javanica
Dianella javanica is a tropical, clump-forming perennial known for its long, strappy green leaves that frame delicate blue to purple flowers. These flowers eventually give way to attractive purple berries. Thriving in warm, shaded environments, dianella javanica has a robust root system, allowing it to weather varied conditions. Its vivid colors provide understory contrast in garden landscapes or natural settings.
Dianella adenanthera
Dianella adenanthera displays a striking clump-forming habit with long, slender green leaves that fan out from a central base. This perennial's hardiness is exemplified by its blueberry-like fruits and star-shaped flowers, which add a dash of color to understory habitats. Through its toughness, dianella adenanthera can thrive across varied light conditions, contributing to its role as a resilient ground cover in gardens and natural landscapes.
All Species of Flax lilies
Tasmanian flax-lily
Tasmanian flax-lily
Tasmanian flax-lily (Dianella tasmanica) is an Australian herbaceous species that has made its way into many Australian gardens. It grows well with partial shade and regular moisture. Its flowers bloom between summer and winter and are followed by small purple berries. Unlike some related plants the fruits of tasmanian flax-lily are toxic.
Ink berry
Ink berry
The ink berry is a grass-like plant that produces a fruit similar to blackberries. Though attractive and regularly eaten by birds, these berries are reported to be poisonous to humans. When squeezed, the berries produce an ink-like fluid, which explains the plant's common name. Ink berry is sometimes grown as a garden plant, thanks to its ornamental properties.
Flax lily
Flax lily
Flax lily (Dianella ensifolia) is a low-growing perennial native to swampy areas. The plant can grow up to 1.5 m tall and spreads at the root to form large clumps. Juice from the fleshy berries has been used as a dye for textiles and garments and is even capable of staining pavement.
Variegated flax lily
Variegated flax lily
Variegated flax lily is a green and white beauty with evergreen ribbon-like leaves that offer plenty of ornamental appeal. It thrives even in exposed garden locations. It spreads well and is popular in mass plantings or when grown in containers.
Blueberry lily
Blueberry lily
Blueberry lily is known for its striking architectural form, with long, sword-like blue-green leaves that often display a slight ruffle on the edges. This hardy species thrives across diverse settings, owing to its robust root system. Small blue flowers emerge in spring, transforming into vivid purple berries, making it a favorite for both visual appeal and resilience.
Cerulean flaxlily
Cerulean flaxlily
Cerulean flaxlily dances in the wind with vibrant blue-purple flowers, making it an eye-catching favorite in gardens and commercial landscapes. It favors lightly shaded areas, bringing a pop of perennial color early in the year. Though cerulean flaxlily lacks culinary use, it’s superb at attracting native Australian birds, enabling gardeners to connect with local wildlife. Its shimmering berries and unique appearance make cerulean flaxlily a spectacular addition to any outdoor space.
Dianella javanica
Dianella javanica
Dianella javanica is a tropical, clump-forming perennial known for its long, strappy green leaves that frame delicate blue to purple flowers. These flowers eventually give way to attractive purple berries. Thriving in warm, shaded environments, dianella javanica has a robust root system, allowing it to weather varied conditions. Its vivid colors provide understory contrast in garden landscapes or natural settings.
Dianella adenanthera
Dianella adenanthera
Dianella adenanthera displays a striking clump-forming habit with long, slender green leaves that fan out from a central base. This perennial's hardiness is exemplified by its blueberry-like fruits and star-shaped flowers, which add a dash of color to understory habitats. Through its toughness, dianella adenanthera can thrive across varied light conditions, contributing to its role as a resilient ground cover in gardens and natural landscapes.
Dianella latissima
Dianella latissima
Dianella latissima is known for its broad, flax-like leaves that form dense clumps, creating a lush undergrowth in forested areas. It produces petite, vibrant blueberries that contrast with its white star-shaped flowers, which are both a visual marker and an ecological attractant for pollinators and birds. Its resilience and adaptive root system allow it to thrive in shaded, moist environments.
'uki'uki
'uki'uki
A hidden gem of the plant world, 'uki'uki artfully sculpts itself into a grass-like form creating a captivating spectacle. An unassumingly decorative marvel, it makes a grand statement in any garden due to its high endurance and attractive deep blue berries. Interestingly, the plant bravely withstands incredibly dry conditions and doubles up as a haven for small birds seeking refuge in its hefty, leafy clumps.
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Flax lilies
Dianella
Flax lilies are grass-like plants that have long, narrow leaves with strong, silky fiber, which were used for making baskets by Indigenous Australians. Flax lilies bloom with blue flowers that eventually turn into small, blueberry-like fruit. The genus was named Dianella in honor of Diana, the Roman goddess of wild animals and hunt. These charming flowers are often cultivated as ornamental perennials.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Succulent
Key Facts About Flax lilies
Feedback
Attributes of Flax lilies
Plant Height
1.2 m
Spread
50 cm
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
15 - 38 ℃
Scientific Classification of Flax lilies
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Monocotyledons Order
Asparagus and allies Family
Asphodel Genus
Flax lilies Distribution of Flax lilies
Feedback
Distribution Map of Flax lilies
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Flax lilies
Feedback
Flax lilies is a hardy genus of perennial plants, well-valued for its attractive foliage and vibrant berries. In terms of Basic Care Needs, they prefer well-drained soil and a location with full sun to partial shade. They are fairly drought-tolerant but do appreciate regular watering. The Common Challenges to be aware of include leaf spot diseases, root rot from excessive watering, and occasional pests like aphids. Seasonal Considerations entail cutting back old foliage in early spring to stimulate fresh growth, and providing extra water in particularly hot summers.
Exploring the Flax lilies Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Tasmanian flax-lily
Tasmanian flax-lily (Dianella tasmanica) is an Australian herbaceous species that has made its way into many Australian gardens. It grows well with partial shade and regular moisture. Its flowers bloom between summer and winter and are followed by small purple berries. Unlike some related plants the fruits of tasmanian flax-lily are toxic.
Ink berry
The ink berry is a grass-like plant that produces a fruit similar to blackberries. Though attractive and regularly eaten by birds, these berries are reported to be poisonous to humans. When squeezed, the berries produce an ink-like fluid, which explains the plant's common name. Ink berry is sometimes grown as a garden plant, thanks to its ornamental properties.
Flax lily
Flax lily (Dianella ensifolia) is a low-growing perennial native to swampy areas. The plant can grow up to 1.5 m tall and spreads at the root to form large clumps. Juice from the fleshy berries has been used as a dye for textiles and garments and is even capable of staining pavement.
Variegated flax lily
Variegated flax lily is a green and white beauty with evergreen ribbon-like leaves that offer plenty of ornamental appeal. It thrives even in exposed garden locations. It spreads well and is popular in mass plantings or when grown in containers.
Show More Species
All Species of Flax lilies
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
