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Dianella - Sims.

Common Name Blue Flax Lily, Cerulean flaxlily
Family Phormiaceae
USDA hardiness 8-11
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Sandy soils near creeks on heaths and in sparse woodlands[193].
Range Australia - New South Wales.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Half Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Dianella Blue Flax Lily, Cerulean flaxlily


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dianella_caerulea.jpg
Dianella Blue Flax Lily, Cerulean flaxlily
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lightcliff/

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Dianella is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.3 m (1ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[193] The fruit is up to 1.5cm in diameter[193].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

A very strong silky fibre is obtained from the leaves. The leaves are also used in making baskets[193].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in ordinary garden soil in sun or dappled shade[200]. Requires a well-drained neutral to acid soil[188]. Requires a sunny sheltered position when grown outdoors in Britain[175]. This species is not very cold-tolerant, but it can survive in sheltered stable environments in dappled shade, such as a woodland, if temperatures do not drop far below zero for long periods[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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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[175]. 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[188]. 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.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Dianella caeruleaBlue Flax Lily, Cerulean flaxlilyPerennial0.8 8-11  LMNDM202
Dianella congestaBeach Flax LilyPerennial1.0 -  LMNDM203
Dianella laevisFlax LilyPerennial1.0 8-11  LMNDM002
Dianella revolutaFlax LilyPerennial1.0 8-11  LMNDM202
Dianella tasmanicaFlax LilyPerennial1.0 8-9 MLMNDM002

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Author

Sims.

Botanical References

200

Links / References

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