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Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
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dianella species

Dianella species are a versatile group of hardy, evergreen plants prized in New Zealand gardens for their graceful foliage, architectural form, and subtle yet striking flower spikes. Ideal for both contemporary landscapes and naturalistic plantings, Dianella species thrive in a variety of conditions, from coastal sites to urban gardens. Their adaptability, low maintenance requirements, and year-round visual interest make them a popular choice among homeowners and landscape designers seeking durable groundcovers, erosion control, or striking accent plants.

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

Overview of Dianella Species

Native to Australasia, Dianella species—often known as flax lilies—offer diversity in form and function. Their strappy leaves, ranging from deep green to vibrant blue or red hues, provide textural contrast against other shrubs, grasses, and perennials. Many Dianella species produce delicate blue or purple star-shaped flowers followed by clusters of attractive berries, adding seasonal interest and supporting native birdlife. Known for their toughness, these plants are drought-tolerant once established and cope well with a range of soil types and light conditions.

Popular Dianella Species for New Zealand Gardens

New Zealand nurseries offer a fantastic selection of Dianella species and cultivars, each chosen for their performance, colour, and landscape value. Some standout options include:

Dianella Little Devil

Dianella Little Devil features compact growth with fine, dark green foliage tinged with purple tones. This variety is perfect for mass planting, edging borders, or growing in containers. Its neat habit makes it a favourite for low-maintenance landscaping.

Dianella Cherry Red

With its striking burgundy-red leaf bases and arching green leaves, Dianella Cherry Red brings vibrant colour to mixed beds, rockeries, or path edgings. This Dianella species is particularly valued for its bold foliage contrast and toughness in coastal or exposed sites.

Dianella Blutopia

Dianella Blutopia is loved for its vivid blue-green foliage and robust nature. It creates dense groundcover, suppressing weeds and stabilising slopes. Adaptable and evergreen, this Dianella species also delivers attractive flower spikes in late spring and summer.

Dianella Goddess

If you’re looking for a larger, architectural Dianella species, Dianella Goddess is an outstanding choice. It forms impressive clumps with broad, sword-shaped foliage and masses of blue flowers above the foliage. Ideal for feature planting or massed displays, it’s both hardy and visually stunning.

Dianella Blue Stream

For bold blue foliage and reliable performance, Dianella Blue Stream stands out among Dianella species. Its vibrant strappy leaves make it perfect for contemporary gardens, while its resilience ensures it will thrive in tough spots with minimal care.

Growing Tips for Dianella Species

Dianella species flourish in full sun to partial shade and enjoy well-draining soils, though they’re tolerant of a variety of conditions once established. Plant in groups for lush, low maintenance groundcover or use as striking focal points among perennials and grasses. Prune back any tired foliage to maintain a tidy appearance, and apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Why Choose Dianella Species for Your Garden

Whether you’re seeking drought tolerance, year-round structure, or striking foliage, Dianella species offer something for every garden style. Explore options like Dianella Little Devil, Dianella Cherry Red, Dianella Blutopia, Dianella Goddess, and Dianella Blue Stream to introduce colour, texture, and resilience to your outdoor spaces. With their adaptability and easy-care nature, these plants are an excellent investment for New Zealand gardens large and small.

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 species

Dianella nigra (New Zealand Blueberry)

Dianella tasmanica

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Overview of Dianella Species