Dianella tasmanica Berries (08/09/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: late spring to early summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 1.2m
Eventual Spread: 50cm
Hardiness: 9a – 11
Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae
Sub Family: Hemerocallidoideae
Dianella tasmanica is an evergreen, clump forming, herbaceous perennial. Its dark green leaves are strap shaped, have denticulate margins, up to 80cm long and 5cm broad. Its blue flowers appear at the end of erect flower spikes and are up to 2cm across. These are followed by violet, globular, glossy berries which are up to 12mm across. Its roots are fleshy rhizomes.
Dianella tasmanica, commonly known as the Tasmanian Flax-Lily, is native to south east Australia, including Tasmania. In its native habitat it grows in wet forests in shady locations. The berries of this plant are not edible and will cause irritation to the digestive tract.
Dianella tasmanica (08/09/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
The etymological root of the binomial name Dianella is derived from the Latin goddess Diana. Tasmanica is derived from the Latin meaning ‘from Tasmania’.
The landscape architect may find Dianella tasmanica useful as a tropical looking plant, particularly in shady locations. Once established this plant is drought tolerant.
Ecologically, Dianella tasmanica is of little value to UK wildlife.
Dianella tasmanica prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It prefers a neutral to acidic pH of soil.
Dianella tasmanica requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in mid spring.