Dianella Plant Information

Dianella Plant Information

This series of articles answers many of the frequently asked questions about Dianella plants, such as how fast they grow, their hardiness, and more!

Does Dianella Spread?

Some Dianella species can spread by underground stems called rhizomes. These rhizomes can grow and form new plants. However, the more commonly grown varieties do not spread and therefore must be divided and replanted.

How Big Does Dianella Get?

The size of Dianella depends on the specific variety you choose, as there are many different types with varying heights and spreads. However, most Dianella varieties grow to between 30-90 cm at maturity. They can spread from 30 cm to 1.2 m, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Some specific examples include:

• Dianella tasmanica: A compact variety reaching 30-60 cm in height and width.
• Dianella caerulea: Can grow taller, reaching 60-90 cm in height and 90-120 cm wide.
• Dianella nigra: A smaller variety, typically staying around 45 cm tall and wide.
• Dianella revoluta: Another compact option, reaching 30-60 cm in both height and width.

Is Dianella Fast Growing?

Dianella are fast-growing plants. They can grow 30 cm and more per year, depending on the variety and the growing conditions. Some varieties, such as Dianella tasmanica, is one of the faster growing species.

Is Dianella Native To NZ?

Some Dianella are native to New Zealand. There are 14 species of dianella native to New Zealand, and they are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, coastal areas, and alpine meadows. Some of the most common Dianella species include:

• Dianella nigra (New Zealand blueberry)
• Dianella tasmanica (blue flax lily)
• Dianella caerulea (coastal flax lily)
• Dianella acutifolia (slender flax lily)
• Dianella lanata (mountain flax lily)

Dianella are popular plants for gardens and landscapes across New Zealand. They are valued for their attractive foliage and flowers, as well as their low-maintenance requirements. Dianella are a great choice for native plant gardens, as it provides food and habitat for a variety of native wildlife.

What Is The Common Name For Dianella Caerulea?

Dianella caerulea has several common names, the most popular ones being: Blue Flax-Lily, Blueberry Lily, and Paroo Lily.

What Is The Common Name For Dianella Cassa Blue?

The most common name for Dianella caerulea 'Cassa Blue' is Blue Flax Lily. Some also refer to it simply as Cassa Blue.

What Is The Common Name For Dianella?

The common name for dianella plants is flax lily. It is also sometimes called blueberry, turutu, or whistles. Dianella is a genus of about 40 species of flowering plants in the family Asphodelaceae, native to Africa, South-east Asia, the Pacific Islands, New Zealand and Australia.

What Is The NZ Blueberry?

The NZ Blueberry, also known as Dianella nigra or turutu in Maori, is actually not a true blueberry. It's a NZ native perennial with colourful, flax-like foliage. Dianella nigra has berries that resemble blueberries in colour (blue, purple, or white) but are not related to true blueberries. They are inedible for humans and may even be poisonous if eaten in large amounts.

Why Is Dianella Called Turutu?

Unfortunately, there isn't a definitive reason available online for why Dianella nigra is called "turutu" in Māori. Readily available information doesn't provide a specific explanation for the origin of the name. The name "turutu" might be related to some characteristic of the plant, like the sound made by the wind rustling through the leaves, the shape of the flower, or the colour of the berries. The meaning of "turutu" might hold cultural significance or be tied to traditional Māori knowledge about the plant. This detail is not widely documented.

Dianella Plant Varieties

Choosing a variety of Dianella plant that works for you can be challenging given the sheer number that are available. Working through the different varieties, their sizes and preferences, and so on, can take considerable time. The Plant Company’s series of short articles aims to offer concise and easy to follow advice so you can determine the variety for your needs.

Dianella Blutopia Information

Dianella 'Blutopia' is a beautiful perennial that is known for its soft blue foliage and violet-blue flowers. It is a compact, clumping plant that grows to 75-100 cm tall and and 80 cm wide. The leaves are strap-like and lance-shaped. The flowers are borne in late spring or early summer.

Dianella ‘Blutopia’ is a low-maintenance plant. It is tolerant of a variety of soil conditions, as long as they are well-drained. It is also drought-tolerant, once established and can grow in full sun to part shade. If you are looking for a beautiful and easy-to-care-for perennial for your garden, Dianella 'Blutopia' is a great option.

Dianella Breeze Information

Dianella caerulea 'Breeze' is a popular perennial owing to its tidy and low-maintenance characteristics. It grows as a clump of upright, strap-like leaves that are dark green. It produces delicate sprays of blue flowers in spring. The flowers are followed by a display of small, rich purple berries that add another layer of interest in summer.

This plant thrives in a wide range of conditions. It tolerates full sun to part shade, and can withstand drought, frost, coastal environments, and even windy conditions. It is also relatively fast growing and low maintenance. The ideal soil type is one that is well-drained.

Dianella caerulea 'Breeze' is a beautiful and low-maintenance plant that can add colour, texture, and interest to your garden. It is great for borders, mass planting, or using as a groundcover. Its versatility and easy care make it a perfect choice for busy gardeners.

Dianella Cassa Blue Information

Dianella caerulea 'Cassa Blue' is a popular perennial known for its stunning blue foliage and beautiful flowers. It is a compact, clump-forming plant that is perfect for low-maintenance gardens. Some of the key features of this Dianella include:

• The main attraction of this Dianella variety is its soft, blue-green foliage.
• It grows to around 50cm tall and 40cm wide.
• During spring, it produces masses of purple and yellow flowers that rise above the foliage on slender stalks.
• This Dianella is drought-tolerant once established, adapts to various soil conditions (with good drainage), and requires minimal care.
• It thrives in full sun to partial shade.

With its beautiful blue foliage, compact size, easy care requirements, and lovely flowers, Dianella caerulea 'Cassa Blue' is a perfect addition to gardens of all shapes and sizes. It is a great choice for borders, mass plantings, or using as a groundcover.

Dianella Little Jess Information

Dianella caerulea 'Little Jess' is a dwarf variety of the Dianella caerulea and is known for its compact size and vibrant features. It's a popular choice for gardeners due to its low-maintenance requirements and beautiful appearance:

• ‘Little Jess’ is a dwarf plant, reaching only about 40 cm tall and wide at maturity.
• The foliage consists of lush, mid-green, strap-like leaves.
• During spring, it produces masses of delicate purple flowers that rise above the foliage.
• The flowers are followed by a display of small, blue berries in summer.
• This plant thrives in full sun to moderate shade.
• It can withstand drought, frost, and coastal environments.
• Once established, ‘Little Jess’ requires minimal watering.
• It prefers well-drained soil, but it can adapt to a variety of soil types as long as drainage is adequate. Avoid very poor-quality soils.

Dianella caerulea 'Little Jess' is a beautiful and low-maintenance plant that can add colour, texture, and interest to your garden. Its compact size and easy care make it a perfect choice for borders, mass plantings, using as a groundcover, or growing in a pot.

Dianella Little Rev Information

Dianella revoluta 'Little Rev' is a compact, clump-forming perennial known for its beautiful blue-grey foliage. It's a hardy plant that's perfect for low-maintenance gardens. Some of its key characteristics include:

• Grows to about 30-40 cm tall and wide.
• The foliage is slender and made up of arching, blue-grey leaves that stay lush all year round.
• It produces masses of small violet-blue flowers in spring and summer.
• Thrives in full sun to moderate shade.
• Drought-tolerant once established, but requires regular watering during the first few weeks after planting.
• Adapts to most soil types but needs well-drained soil. Avoid very wet or poorly draining areas.
• Tolerates moderate frost and drought.
• Great for borders, mass planting, groundcover, or as an accent plant in mixed plantings. Often planted around pool areas or used with modern architecture.

Dianella revoluta 'Little Rev' is a versatile and low-maintenance plant that can add beauty and texture to any garden. Its compact size makes it a great choice for smaller gardens or for growing in a pot.

Dianella Nigra Information

Dianella nigra, commonly known as New Zealand blueberry, ink berry, or turutu in Māori, is a perennial native to New Zealand. It's a popular ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage, delicate flowers, and vibrant berries. Some of its features are:

• Growth habit: Dianella nigra typically grows in clumps, forming tufts of grass-like leaves. It can reach a height of around 60-80 cm.
• Leaves: The leaves of New Zealand Blueberry are long and strap-like, resembling grass blades. They are glossy, dark green in colour, and may have a bluish tinge to them.
• Flowers: Dianella nigra produces small white flowers with yellow stamens during early spring to mid-summer.
• Fruits: The plant is known for its bright blue to purple berries that appear in summer. These berries are attractive to birds but are bitter and inedible for humans.
• Habitat: It can be found in coastal to montane areas of New Zealand.
• Care: This plant is relatively easy to care for. It prefers semi-shade with moist soil, but it can tolerate full sun and dry conditions once established.
• Benefits: Dianella nigra is a valuable plant for attracting native birds to your garden. It also supports local ecosystems and provides habitat for various wildlife.

Dianella Silver Streak Information

Dianella 'Silver Streak' is a beautiful, variegated perennial valued for its striking foliage and ease of care. It is a clump-forming plant with slender, sword-like leaves that are green with bold, white-stripes running down the length. During the summer it produces delicate spikes of small, violet-blue flowers.

• ‘Silver Streak’ grows to around 40-50 cm tall and wide.
• This Dianella is drought-tolerant once established, adaptable to various soil conditions as long as they are well-drained, and requires minimal care.

• It thrives in full sun to light shade.

  This versatile plant can be used in various landscaping applications, including borders, mass plantings, groundcover, or container gardening. With its beautiful variegated foliage, compact size, and low-maintenance needs, Dianella 'Silver Streak' is a perfect addition to gardens of all shapes and sizes.

Planting And Growing Dianella Plants

Establishing Dianella plants and getting them to grow well is generally easy when you get a few of the basics right. This involves planting them in the right soil type, choosing the most ideal planting position, selecting the best variety, and ensuring the plants have the essentials to thrive. The Plant Company has the right advice to ensure success when you are growing Dianella.

How Do You Maintain Dianella?

Maintaining Dianella is easy thanks to their generally low-maintenance nature. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Water newly planted plants regularly, especially during the first few weeks, to ensure they establish well. Once they are established, they are generally drought-tolerant and only need watering during prolonged dry spells.
• They are adaptable to various light conditions, thriving in full sun to partial shade.
• Prefers well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Add compost during planting to improve the nutrient content of the soil.
• Apply native plant fertiliser in spring.
• Remove browning or damaged leaves and flower stalks to keep the plant tidy.
• Generally, they are pest and disease-resistant. Watch out for signs of mealybugs or fungal diseases.
• Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

How Do You Plant Dianella?

The hole should be dug to at least 50-75% deeper and wider than the container the plant is currently growing in. A planting spade makes the hole digging a lot easier. The Plant Company recommends incorporating compost or sheep pellets into the soil to provide additional organic material, but this is not essential. Do not put fertiliser in the bottom of the hole, rather spread that on the soil surface after planting, and preferably do this when the plant is actively growing in spring.

Remove the plant from the container it is growing in by either pulling it free or by cutting the bag. We recommend cutting the bag, especially for larger grade plants, to minimise any chance of damaging the roots. If the roots are bound up, you can tease them apart if you want but this is not essential. The Plant Company does not advise cutting through roots, even if the plant is rootbound, as that injures the plant. Our article, Managing Rootbound Plants explains this in more detail.

Now place the plant in the hole and make sure it is level with the soil surface before filling in around it. If it is above the soil surface, dig more out. If it is below, put in more soil and retest the level. Once the plant is set level with the soil surface, add more soil gradually and firm it around the plant using gentle pressure as you go. Scatter Native Plant Fertiliser across the soil surface after planting and then give the plant a good watering.

How To Care For Dianella

The most important part starts with planting, and our article, How To Plant Dianella, provides sound advice on how to do this properly. So, let’s now assume your plant is growing well and you want to keep it that way!

Winter is the perfect time for mulching your plants. Organic matter such as compost or sheep pellets should be spread liberally around the plants and then overlaid with mulch. The Plant Company has three very good options for mulch. The first is coco fibre matting which is made from the husks of coconuts. The second is Earth Mat which is made from recycled paper. Both break down to become part of the soil within two years. The third is black plastic matting which will last 20 years or more. Whichever mulch is used, The Plant Company recommend stones, bark chip, or other similar products be spread over top for aesthetic purposes. The Plant Company does not recommend adding fertiliser during winter as this is better applied in spring so less is wasted. However, adding organic matter such as compost is quite okay.

Spring is the perfect time for fertilising the plants as they start to bounce into life. The Plant Company has fertilisers which have been specially blended for different plants and in this instance, our Native Plant Fertiliser will give them the correct boost and keep them fed for 12-months. A suitable alternative is our organic fertiliser which will also keep them well fed but they will require a secondary application in autumn.

Summer is when the plants need regular watering, and this should be undertaken every second or third day on the hottest days. Plants that are establishing need particular attention as their root system will not have penetrated deep enough to secure consistent moisture yet.

Caring for Dianella in autumn is about keeping the plants healthy. Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken during spring, summer, and autumn if you have time, but this is not essential if solid fertiliser and/or good amounts of organic matter have already been applied. If you think the plants need an extra boost or have some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser won’t hurt.

Should You Cut Back Dianella?

Whether or not you should cut back Dianella depends on a few factors:

• If your Dianella looks neat and healthy, with no brown or dead leaves, cutting back isn't necessary.
• If your Dianella has become overgrown or has dead leaves, a light trim can improve its appearance and encourage new growth.
• Smaller Dianella varieties like 'Tasmanica' or 'Nigra' generally don't require regular cutting back.
• Larger Dianella like 'Caerulea' might benefit from occasional trimming to maintain their shape and size.
• A light trim in early spring can remove any winter damage and encourage new growth.
• You can trim off any dead leaves or flower stalks in autumn.

What Is The Best Fertiliser For Dianella Plants?

Dianella plants require feeding to keep them growing optimally. The Plant Company’s Native Plant Fertiliser has been blended to give plants the boost they need and then sustained nutrition for the next 12 months. It is perfect for Flax.

We recommend the fertiliser is applied to the soil surface in spring just as the plants start to grow actively. More importantly, we advise that no fertiliser is placed in the hole at planting, but rather spread around the soil surface so it can wash through the roots as it releases. The Plant Company’s Native Plant Fertiliser ensures that nutrients remain in the soil around the plant rather than being lost through the soil profile to where the plant cannot reach it. This also applies to plants grown on sandy soils. This fertiliser is therefore very environmentally friendly and longer lasting than most other products in the market.

Foliar feeding using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken if you have time but this is not essential if Native Plant Fertiliser has been applied. If you think the plants need an extra boost or have poor colouring, however, a liquid fertiliser application won’t hurt. A great benefit of foliar feeding is that it helps keep the leaves strong and lush.