Flax Lily
Dianella laevis

Family: Phormiaceae

What it is like

Dianella laevis is an evergreen Perennial growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. 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.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Sandy soils near creeks on heaths and in sparse woodlands.

Australia - New South Wales, Victoria.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 2

A very strong silky fibre is obtained from the leaves. The leaves are also used in making baskets. A blue dye is obtained from the fruit.

Basketry: Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.

How it is grown

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. Plants succeed in heavy shade in Australian gardens but this cannot be translated directly to British gardens because of our cooler summers that see much less sun than Australia. Plants are hardy to at least -7°c in Australian gardens but only succeed outdoors in the southern part of the country and even then require a very sheltered well-drained situation. Although not very cold-tolerant, this species can survive in sheltered stable environments in dappled shade, such as a woodland, if temperatures do not drop far below zero for long periods. A polymorphic species, some forms are very ornamental.

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: 8-11

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

D. longifolia. R.Br.