Common Name: Blue Flax Lily

General Information

Dianella longifolia is a tufted, evergreen perennial plant with a rhizomatous rootstock; it produces a compact clump of grass-like leaves that can be up to 100cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a source of materials..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

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Range

Australia - Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Northern Territory, Western Australia

Habitat

Sandy soils near creeks on heaths and in sparse woodlands[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.80 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Dianella longifolia has a very wide range, from the temperate climate of Tasmania, north through eastern Australia to the tropics of Queensland and Northern Territory. Plants are said to tolerate occasional temperatures down to at least -7°c in Australian gardens[] .
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 cooler regions of the temperate zone[].
Plants can succeed in heavy shade areas with hot summers, but in cooler areas will need a sunnier position[, ] 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 with several varieties recognised[], some forms are very ornamental[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A very strong silky fibre is obtained from the leaves[].

The leaves are used in making baskets[].

A blue dye is obtained from the fruit[].

Propagation

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.