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Dianella laevis - R.Br.

Common Name Flax Lily
Family Phormiaceae
USDA hardiness 8-11
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Sandy soils near creeks on heaths and in sparse woodlands[154].
Range Australia - New South Wales, Victoria.
Edibility Rating    (0 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 laevis Flax Lily


Dianella laevis Flax Lily

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Dianella laevis is an evergreen Perennial growing to 1 m (3ft 3in).
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

D. longifolia. R.Br.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

None known

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

Basketry  Dye  Fibre

A very strong silky fibre is obtained from the leaves[154]. The leaves are also used in making baskets[156]. A blue dye is obtained from the fruit[156].

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]. Plants succeed in heavy shade in Australian gardens[157] but this cannot be translated directly to British gardens because of our cooler summers that see much less sun than Australia. Plants are hardy to at least -7°c in Australian gardens[157] but only succeed outdoors in the southern part of the country and even then require a very sheltered well-drained situation[1]. 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[200]. A polymorphic species[157], some forms are very ornamental[1].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant 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 Range

Coming Soon

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 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.

 

Expert comment

Author

R.Br.

Botanical References

154200265

Links / References

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Subject : Dianella laevis  
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