Varigated Flax Lily, Blue-Berry Flax

Dianella tasmanica Hook. F.

Dianella caerulea Sims

Dianella ensifolia (L.) DC.

Dianella revoluta R. Br.

Dianella prunina R.J.F. Hend.

dy-an-NEL-uh tas-MAN-ee-kuh sare-OOH-lee-ah en-sah-FOAL-ee-ah

rev-oh-LOO-ta, PRUNE-eh-nah

Liliaceae

Explanation of names: Dianella means “little Diana.” The English explorer Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker collected the plant from Tasmania which inspired the species name tasmanica.  Caerulea is a shade of blue. Ensifolia means sword-shaped-leaves. Revolute leaf margins are curled under.  Prunina probably refers to the waxy blue “pruinose” coloration of the foliage.

Natural Range: South Australia, China, Tropical Africa

Recognition: Grasslike perennials with bold white stripes. Produces several small yellow- throated pale purple or blue or white flowers on a leafless slender branch, followed by four to five bright blue berries on each branch.

            Usually encountered as variegated selection(s). ‘Variegata’ resembles variegated Liriope but is substantially thicker, with much-broader leaves. It is reminiscent of a glossy-leaved Aspidistra, having more or less vertical sword-shaped leaves with broader bases. The flowers and fruits are blue.

Species encountered in Florida in addition to D. tasmanica:

Dianella caerulea with cultivars ‘Becca’ (leaves green, arching; flowers purplish with yellow anthers), ‘Little Becca’ (leaves dark green, glossy; plants rhizomatous; flowers purplish), and ‘CassaBlue’ (gray-blue foliage in a flat fan; flowers showy)

Dianella ensifolia has escaped cultivation in Florida and thus is not recommended for landscaping. Dianella ensifolia has an elongate stem reminiscent of a Dracaena and has leaves pseudopetiolate.

Dianella revoluta with cultivars ‘Big Rev’ (green, leaves with rolled, black margins; flowers pale blue or white),  ‘Little Rev’ (dwarf, blue, perky), and ‘Baby Bliss’ (gray-blue, compact; anthers black)

Dianella prunina with cultivar ‘Utopia’ (broad, gray-blue leaves)

Landscape uses: Suitable for xeriscaping or container growing. Spreads by rhizomes.

Internet source: www.celebratedplants.com