Beach Flax Lily
Dianella congesta
Family: Phormiaceae
What it is like
Dianella congesta is an evergreen Perennial growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Stabilized coastal sand dunes, forming mats in gregarious colonies that are often extensive
Australia - New South Wales, Queensland.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - raw or cooked. The best tasting of the genus. The fruit is up to 1.5cm in diameter.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 3
A very strong silky fibre is obtained from the leaves. The leaves are also used in making baskets. Judging by the plants native habit, this should be a good plant for stabilizing sand dunes.
Basketry: Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.
Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.
Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors at least in the milder areas of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil in sun or dappled shade. Requires a well-drained neutral to acid soil. Requires a sunny sheltered position when grown outdoors in Britain. Most members of this genus are not very cold-tolerant, but some can survive in sheltered stable environments in dappled shade, such as a woodland, if temperatures do not drop far below zero for long periods.
Propagating it: Seed - pre-soak for 24 hours in luke-warm water and then sow in spring in gentle heat in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 25°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first two years. When large enough, plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Division as the plants come into growth in the spring. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist