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dianella ensifolia

Dianella ensifolia, also known as the flax lily or umbrella dracaena, is a striking perennial plant prized for its slender, arching foliage and adaptability in New Zealand gardens. This versatile species can deliver both beauty and resilience to a range of landscape settings, making it a favourite among gardeners seeking low-maintenance yet visually engaging plants. Whether you’re looking to add textural contrast to your planting beds, create ground cover, or establish a low border, Dianella ensifolia is an excellent choice. Its blue-green leaves provide year-round interest, while delicate blue flowers and small, decorative berries offer seasonal appeal.

A mass planting of Dianella caerulea 'Little Jess' plants with lush, green foliage.

Dianella 'Little Jess'

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Dianella 'Little Jess' is a variety of NZ Flax Lily that bears spikes carrying delicate, blue flowers in spring above lush, mid-green leaves. Small, blue berries follow the flowers. It grows to 40 cm tall and the same wide in full sun or partial shade. Dianella 'Little Jess' is commonly included in mixed plantings or borders, used in cottage gardens, or mass-planted either on a bank or as a ground cover.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 40 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native
Dianella Revelation plants growing in a garden.

Dianella 'Revelation'

Dianella 'Revelation' features flower stems that rise above the foliage through spring and summer to bear masses of delicate, blue flowers, which result in blue berries. This NZ Flax Lily features narrow, grass-like foliage that is dark green and held densely, growing to 60 cm tall and the same width. Dianella 'Revelation' is commonly mass-planted either as a groundcover or on a bank, included in borders or mixed plantings, planted around the base of large trees, grown around water features such as streams and ponds, or featured in cottage gardens.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 60 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern
A Dianella 'Clarity Blue' plant in a pot for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Dianella 'Clarity Blue'

Dianella 'Clarity Blue' features broad and erect, powder-blue coloured leaves. It typically grows to 60 cm in height and 40 cm in width in full sun...

From$16.49
Dianella caerulea 'Breeze' growing in a roadside garden.
Dianella 'Breeze'

Dianella 'Breeze' (Turutu) is a hardy and attractive perennial that brings lush, strappy green foliage and clusters of delicate blue flowers to New...

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Dianella 'Margaret Pringle' plant in a pot.
Dianella 'Margaret Pringle'

Dianella 'Margaret Pringle' bears spikes carrying delicate, blue flowers in spring, which are followed by small, blue berries in summer. These are...

From$20.63
dianella-revoluta-kentlyn--2
Dianella Kentlyn

Dianella Kentlyn is a variety of the commonly known, Flax Lily, produces upright, strap-like leaves which are a rich, dark green with a blue...

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Dianella tasmanica (Tasman Flax Lily) plants with green foliage and blue flowers.
Dianella tasmanica

Dianella tasmanica, commonly known as the Tasman Flax Lily, produces upright, strap-like leaves which are a rich, dark green and have a lush...

From$19.25
dianella-caerulea-goddess-
Dianella Goddess

Dianella Goddess is a variety of the commonly known, NZ Flax Lily, and produces upright, strap-like leaves which are a rich, dark green with a blue...

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Dianella nigra plant with masses of blue berries.
Dianella nigra (New Zealand Blueberry)

Dianella nigra, commonly known as the New Zealand Blueberry or Tūrutu, is a NZ native that features lush foliage and glossy berries that vary in...

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Dianella 'Blutopia' large plant in a garden.
Dianella Blutopia

Dianella Blutopia is grown for both its foliage and flowers. In spring it bears large spikes carrying delicate, light blue flowers which result in...

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dianella-streetscape--1
Dianella Streetscape

Dianella Streetscape features spikes carrying delicate, blue flowers in spring. These are held neatly above the fresh-green, strap-like leaves. The...

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dianella-emerald-fountain-
Dianella Emerald Fountain

Dianella Emerald Fountain is a variety of Blue Flax Lily that features spikes carrying delicate, blue flowers in spring. These are held neatly above...

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dianella-emerald-arch-
Dianella Emerald Arch

Dianella Emerald Arch feature spikes carrying delicate, blue flowers in spring. These are held neatly above the dark green, strap-like leaves. It...

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Dianella 'Baby Bliss' plants.
Dianella Baby Bliss

Dianella 'Baby Bliss' is a compact evergreen flax lily grown for its fine blue green foliage and naturally tidy growth habit. This hardy, low...

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Dianella Cherry Red

Dianella Cherry Red has grass like foliage that is a fantastic green and red-pink colour. It grows to about 75 cm tall and the same wide, and becomes...

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dianella-stampede-
Dianella Stampede

Dianella Stampede is a NZ Flax Lily that features spikes that carry delicate, blue flowers in spring. These are held neatly above the fresh-green...

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Dianella tasmanica 'Tasred' plants with lush green foliage in a border garden.
Dianella 'Tasred'

Dianella 'Tasred' is a hardy, evergreen flax lily characterised by its broad, green leaves, which often exhibit red or burgundy tones at the base...

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Dianella intermedia plant with blue berries.
Dianella intermedia

Dianella intermedia is a hardy evergreen flax lily valued for its upright blue green foliage, delicate blue flowers, and attractive purple blue...

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Dianella 'Sea Spray' plant with lush green foliage and blue flowers.
Dianella 'Sea Spray'

Dianella 'Sea Spray' features narrow, dark green leaves with a hint of blue. The foliage is adorned with clusters of blue flowers through spring and...

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Dianella revoluta 'Blue Twist' plant.
Dianella Blue Twist

Dianella Blue Twist bears spikes that may reach 1 m in length carrying delicate, light blue flowers. These are held above the blue-green, strap-like...

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Dianella caerulea 'King Alfred' plants growing as a border at the base of a fence.
Dianella 'King Alfred'

Dianella 'King Alfred' features spikes carrying delicate, blue flowers in spring. These are held neatly above the dark green, strap-like leaves...

OUT OF STOCK
dianella-blue-stream-
Dianella Blue Stream

Dianella Blue Stream features broad and erect, powder-blue coloured leaves. This NZ Flax Lily grows to 75 cm tall and 60 cm wide. Dianella Blue...

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dianella-tasmanica-variegata-3
Dianella tasmanica variegata

Dianella tasmanica variegata produces upright, strap-like leaves which are variegated with stripes of dark green and cream. Short flower stems rise...

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Dianella tasmanica 'Little Devil' plant with blue berries.
Dianella 'Little Devil'

Dianella 'Little Devil' is a compact evergreen flax lily prized for its rich deep foliage and tidy clumping habit. This hardy variety provides year...

OUT OF STOCK
dianella-weeping-kate--1
Dianella Weeping Kate

Dianella Weeping Kate is a variety of NZ Flax Lily that features spikes carrying delicate, blue flowers in spring. These are held neatly above the...

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Dianella 'Golden Chance' plants with lush, variegated foliage.
Dianella 'Golden Chance'

Dianella 'Golden Chance' produces spikes carrying delicate, white and blue flowers through spring and are followed by small, blue berries in summer...

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dianella-revoluta-
Dianella revoluta

Dianella revoluta features flower stems that rise above the foliage through spring and summer to bear masses of delicate, blue flowers which result...

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dianella-silver-streak-
Dianella Silver Streak

Dianella Silver Streak features lush leaves that have a dark green centre with a cream-coloured margin. It grows as a tidy clump to about 50 cm tall...

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Dianella 'Wyeena' plants growing in a garden bordering a car park.
Dianella 'Wyeena'

Dianella 'Wyeena' is renowned for its variegated foliage which are dark green with a cream-coloured margin. This NZ Flax Lily grows as a tidy clump...

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dianella-blaze-
Dianella Blaze

Dianella Blaze features broad and gently arching, bronze-purple leaves that are very showy. It typically grows to 70 cm tall and the same wide...

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Dianella revoluta 'Little Rev' plants in a garden.
Dianella 'Little Rev'

Dianella 'Little Rev' (Blue Flax Lily) is a compact and hardy ornamental grass like plant valued for its attractive blue green foliage and tidy...

OUT OF STOCK
dianella-florero-
Dianella Florero

Dianella Florero is a variety of NZ Flax Lily that features spikes carrying delicate, blue flowers in spring. These are held neatly above the dark...

OUT OF STOCK
Dianella 'Little Jess'

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Dianella, or related Categories - Flaxes.

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Benefits and Uses of Dianella ensifolia

Dianella ensifolia is celebrated for its hardiness and drought tolerance, thriving even in challenging planting situations. It’s ideal for mass planting on slopes or banks where erosion control is needed, and also performs well in coastal gardens, urban landscapes, and containers. The tidy, clumping habit of this flax lily makes it suitable for lining pathways or driveways, where it brings structure without demanding constant care. Unlike more traditional flax varieties, Dianella ensifolia’s moderate size means it fits beautifully into both compact city gardens and expansive rural settings.

Growing Requirements and Care

Plant Dianella ensifolia in well-drained soil where it can receive partial to full sun. It tolerates light shade, but for best foliage colour and flowering, choose a brighter location. Water newly planted Dianella regularly until established; after that, it will handle dry conditions with ease. Feed in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to promote lush growth. Minimal pruning is needed, though spent flower stems and old leaves can be tidied occasionally to keep plants looking their best. With its minimal disease and pest issues, Dianella ensifolia truly thrives with little fuss.

Companion Planting and Related Varieties

For gardeners interested in designing with a range of textures and hues, consider combining Dianella ensifolia with species such as Dianella intermedia for contrast in leaf shape and colour. For even more variety, explore popular cultivated forms like Dianella Blutopia, known for its compact nature, Dianella Streetscape with robust, architectural foliage, Dianella Emerald Fountain for cascading green leaves, or Dianella Emerald Arch, which creates soft arching clumps perfect for borders. Each of these complements Dianella ensifolia and can be mixed for year-round interest.

Why Choose Dianella ensifolia for Your Garden?

Choosing Dianella ensifolia means investing in an easy-care plant that delivers visual impact and versatility. Its ability to fit seamlessly into both modern and traditional landscapes, resistance to dry conditions, and resilience in a range of climates make it a reliable performer across New Zealand. Whether you’re updating an existing garden or starting from scratch, Dianella ensifolia offers reliable performance and attractive foliage, with the added benefit of low maintenance. Add this well-loved plant to your garden for lasting structure, subtle blooms, and effortless style.


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Our garden favourites Rhododendron Vireya 'Pink Jazz' and Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald' get lots of love, but don’t miss out on a few lesser-known delights: Boysenberry 'Mapua', Acorus gramineus 'Ogon', and Lavender 'The Queen'.
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