Blue Flax Lily (Dianella caerulea)

Blue Flax Lily

Dianella caerulea

Its spiky blue-green foliage and delicate blue blooms bring quiet garden elegance. Evergreen herbaceous perennial; common names: Blue Flax Lily, Paroo Lily.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Thrives in full sun to partial shade; tolerates filtered indirect light in indoor settings
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Watering Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil dries out; drought tolerant once established
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Temperature Hardy to light frosts; performs best in temperate to subtropical temperature ranges
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Linear, strap-like blue-green leaves, 60–90 cm long, arranged in tight basal clumps
  • Flower: Small star-shaped pale blue blooms on slender upright wiry stems, 30–60 cm tall
  • Fruit: Glossy round purple berries following flowering, persistent into late Summer
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist during active growth periods

Fertilization

Apply balanced diluted fertilizer once monthly. Use a slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring for sustained nutrient delivery

Banana Peel Compost Tea:Soak fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 for root drench to support bloom production and foliage health
Pruning
  • Remove yellow or damaged leaves at the base to maintain a tidy clump appearance
  • Cut back spent flowering stems after blooms fade to encourage new growth
  • Divide overcrowded clumps every 3–4 years in early spring to promote vigorous growth
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental garden plant; berries attract native birds; suitable for border plantings or container displays