Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
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dianella plant varieties

Dianella plant varieties are a popular choice for New Zealand gardens, offering hardy, low-maintenance foliage and vibrant seasonal interest. Known for their striking sword-shaped leaves and occasional blue or purple berries, Dianella species are native to Australasia and have adapted well to our local climate. Whether you’re designing a modern landscape, seeking a reliable groundcover, or adding texture to mixed borders, there’s a Dianella to suit every garden. With so many Dianella plant varieties available, understanding their differences will help you find the perfect fit.

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 colour from blue, white, to deep purple. They are held amidst the strap-like, glossy green leaves.

Buy Dianella nigra (New Zealand Blueberry)

From $16.49

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Flaxes

Height: 40 cm

Spread: 50 cm

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Shade

Garden uses: Borders, Paths & Steps, Ponds

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native

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 appearance. Flower stems rise above the foliage through spring to bear masses of delicate, blue flowers, which result in blue berries.

Buy Dianella tasmanica

From $19.25

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Flaxes

Height: 1.00 m

Spread: 1.00 m

Flowering time: Spring, Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

What Makes Dianella Plant Varieties So Versatile?

Dianella plants are treasured for their toughness and adaptability. They thrive in a wide range of soils, handle dry and windy conditions, and are generally resistant to pests and diseases. Most varieties have clumping, evergreen growth and spread gently, making them excellent for low-maintenance landscaping and erosion control. Their year-round green or blue-green leaves provide structure in the garden, and many Dianellas showcase delicate flowers and colourful berries that attract native birds.

Top Dianella Plant Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

With multiple selections bred for size, leaf colour, toughness, and flowering ability, choosing among Dianella plant varieties means finding a match for your specific outdoor project.

Dianella Kentlyn

Dianella Kentlyn is a well-regarded, resilient variety that features blue-green foliage and produces clusters of blue flowers in spring, followed by attractive berries. It forms tidy clumps up to 70 cm tall, making it ideal for mass planting, edging, or as an understorey in larger planting schemes.

Dianella Blue Twist

For a touch of drama, Dianella Blue Twist stands out with its twisted, narrow leaves that can display a shimmering blue-green hue. This variety is especially striking in contemporary designs or as a low-maintenance feature in garden beds and planter boxes.

Dianella Blaze

If your garden is exposed to tough coastal conditions or poor soils, Dianella Blaze is a standout. Its bold green foliage sometimes develops hints of purple or bronze in cooler weather. This variety is renowned for its exceptional drought tolerance and compact habit, making it suitable for borders and urban landscaping.

Dianella Goddess

Graceful and lush, Dianella Goddess offers broader, more arching leaves. It adds softness to garden spaces and will reward you with sprays of delicate blue flowers and vibrant berries. ‘Goddess’ works beautifully as a specimen plant or grouped for dramatic effect.

Dianella 'Little Jess'

For small spaces or containers, Dianella 'Little Jess' is a popular dwarf form. Growing to just 40cm, it’s perfect for edging pathways, planting in mass for modern landscapes, or brightening up patios. With its neat, clumping habit, ‘Little Jess’ is one of the most versatile Dianella plant varieties you can choose.

How to Use Dianella Plant Varieties in Your Landscape

Dianella plant varieties are ideal for mass planting, ground covers, border edging, and understorey planting beneath trees or larger shrubs. Their tolerance of sun and partial shade, as well as their minimal water requirements once established, make them a smart, eco-friendly choice for New Zealand gardens of all styles.

Ready to discover the best Dianella plant varieties for your project? Explore our collection to find healthy, robust plants that will thrive in your outdoor space.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

dianella plant varieties

Dianella nigra (New Zealand Blueberry)

Dianella tasmanica

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What Makes Dianella Plant Varieties So Versatile?