October Plant Spotlight Dianella (Flax lily)

Dianella or “Flax lily” is another up and coming popular perennial in Florida landscapes. This plant is not limited to one region of Florida: instead, it thrives well in all parts of the state. This durable, drought tolerant plant prefers part shade to full sun. Once established, the plant can live off a natural supply of rainwater. Flax is also fairly salt tolerant. Dianella will die back after a hard freeze. All you have to do is cut the leaves off at the base and the plant will re-sprout as warmer temperatures return. Though a flower stalk with small blue flowers emerges in the winter and spring, Dianella is mostly planted for its attractive leaf variegations. ‘Variegata’ has striking white and lush green variegation while ‘Gold Stripe’ has gold and green variegation. Another great benefit of this plant is its ability to be divided into more plants every couple of years. In spring, dig the plant out of the ground. Using a machete or knife, cut the plant into sections with roots in each section. Replant the sections where you want and water for a couple of weeks daily. Voila! You have more Dianella.

Dianella is commonly used in massings but is also attractive in containers, groundcovers, and specimen plantings. When choosing companion plants, keep in mind the variegation. Dianella looks especially attractive next to other tropical appearing plants. We planted Variegata Dianella with burgundy sweet potato vines in white containers along Ocean Crest Drive. The two pair well. Another example is Dianella with Purple Queen (see photo above). Once established, this hardy plant requires little to no maintenance.