Flax Lily
(Dianella ensifolia)
Flax Lily (Dianella ensifolia)
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© 黃美滿
CC BY 4.0
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© 黃美滿
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CC BY 4.0
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Photo by: © 黃美滿 | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: oak123 | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Dianella ensifolia, commonly known as Flax Lily, is an evergreen perennial herb native to open woodlands and forest margins in Southeast Asia, East Himalaya, and the Indian Ocean Islands. It typically grows to a height of 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters) and a width of 2-5 feet (0.6-1.5 meters). This plant features strappy, bright green leaves and produces small, star-shaped blue flowers in the spring and summer, followed by attractive purple berries. The flowers are modest in size but can add a subtle charm to garden settings.
Flax Lily is valued for its foliage and berries, which provide visual interest throughout the year. It is used in cultivation for border planting, as ground cover, or in containers. It thrives in part shade to full sun, prefers well-drained soils, and is tolerant of a range of soil types, making it relatively easy to maintain. It requires moderate watering, but established plants can tolerate some drought. While it is not known for serious disease or pest issues, snails and slugs can sometimes be problematic. In some regions, Dianella ensifolia can become invasive, so it is essential to consult local guidelines before planting it outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Flax Lily is valued for its foliage and berries, which provide visual interest throughout the year. It is used in cultivation for border planting, as ground cover, or in containers. It thrives in part shade to full sun, prefers well-drained soils, and is tolerant of a range of soil types, making it relatively easy to maintain. It requires moderate watering, but established plants can tolerate some drought. While it is not known for serious disease or pest issues, snails and slugs can sometimes be problematic. In some regions, Dianella ensifolia can become invasive, so it is essential to consult local guidelines before planting it outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 3-6 feet
- Width: 2-5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands and forest margins in Southeast Asia, East Himalaya, and the Indian Ocean Islands
Other Names
Common Names: Dianella Lily, Common Dianella, Siak-Siak, Flax Lily, Umbrella-Dracaena, New Zealand Lilyplant, Neuseeländische Flachslilie, KikyŌ-Ran, Shan Jian
Scientific Names: , Dianella ensifolia, Dianella nemorosa, Dianella ensata, Dianella montana, Dianella robusta, Dianella sparsiflora, Dianella ensifolia f. racemulifera, Dianella nemorosa f. robusta, Anthericum japonicum
GBIF Accepted Name: Dianella ensifolia (L.) Redouté