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new zealand flax lily

The New Zealand flax lily is a versatile and low-maintenance addition to any Kiwi garden, prized for its strappy foliage, tolerant nature, and striking visual appeal. Often mistaken for the classic flax (Phormium), the true New Zealand flax lily belongs to the Dianella genus, featuring graceful tufts of narrow leaves and delicate blue or white flowers followed by attractive berries. Because of its reliability in a range of conditions, the New Zealand flax lily is a favourite among landscape designers, home gardeners, and anyone seeking an easy-care, evergreen solution that works well in borders, mass plantings, or pots.

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

Dianella 'Little Jess'

5 from 2 customers

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-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 undertone. Flower stems rise above the foliage through spring to bear masses of delicate, blue flowers which result in blue berries. It grows to 70 cm tall and the same wide in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained site. Dianella Goddess 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 included in cottage gardens.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 70 cm
Spread: 70 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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$18.83
Large Black Rage Phormium in a garden with black foliage.

Phormium 'Black Rage'

Phormium 'Black Rage' is a striking New Zealand native flax known for its bold, upright leaves in deep shades of dark purple to near black. This...

From$20.93
Phormium tenax plant in a garden with green foliage.

Phormium tenax

Phormium tenax, commonly known as the NZ flax or Harakeke, is a flax plant that produces erect, green, sword-like leaves. Stems rise above the...

From$14.78
phormium-stripy-mist-

Phormium 'Stripy Mist'

Phormium Stripy Mist is a popular NZ native dwarf flax that features striking green leaves with a chocolate brown centre. It grows as a very tidy...

From$20.93
A large Phormium 'Dark Delight' plant with elegant, purple foliage.

Phormium 'Dark Delight'

Phormium 'Dark Delight', also known as Dark Purple Flax, is a bold New Zealand native flax prized for its broad, upright leaves in deep purple to...

From$20.93
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...

From$16.13
Phormium 'Rainbow Red' red and purple striped foliage.

Phormium 'Rainbow Red'

Phormium 'Rainbow Red' is a vibrant New Zealand native flax admired for its bold, arching leaves in shades of bronze, red, and pink. This striking...

From$117.09
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...

From$16.13

Phormium cookianum

Phormium cookianum, commonly known as Mountain Flax or Wharariki, is a graceful New Zealand native valued for its arching green leaves and tall...

From$17.48
A large Phormium 'Jester' plant with colourful foliage.

Phormium 'Jester'

Phormium 'Jester' is a showy variety of Flax that produces leaves that are striped with a broad, pink central band and a dark purple border. This...

From$20.93
Phormium 'Surfer' plants in pots for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Phormium 'Surfer'

Phormium 'Surfer' is a compact New Zealand native flax admired for its striking green leaves edged with bronze and red tones. Its upright, arching...

From$18.23
Phormium 'Green Dwarf' flax plant in a native garden with Oioi plants.

Phormium 'Green Dwarf'

Phormium 'Green Dwarf', also known as Dwarf Green Flax, is a compact, tidy New Zealand flax cultivar with lush, bright green, strap-like leaves. It...

From$16.13
Phormium 'Surfer Bronze' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Phormium 'Surfer Bronze'

Phormium 'Surfer Bronze' is a compact and stylish New Zealand native flax with narrow, upright leaves in rich bronze tones. This striking ornamental...

From$18.23
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...

From$16.13
Phormium 'Jack Spratt' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Phormium 'Jack Spratt'

Phormium 'Jack Spratt' is one of the smallest New Zealand native flax varieties, admired for its narrow, upright leaves in rich bronze to dark...

From$18.23
Phormium 'Emerald Gem' in a native garden.

Phormium 'Emerald Gem'

Phormium 'Emerald Gem' is a dwarf variety of Mountain Flax or Wharariki. It produces emerald-green leaves and grows to 60 cm tall and 70 cm wide in...

From$18.23
Orange flowers on a lush Clivia miniata grandiflora plant.

Clivia miniata grandiflora (Natal Lily)

Clivia miniata grandiflora is a stunning perennial known for its large, vibrant orange trumpet-shaped flowers and dark green strap-like leaves. Ideal...

From$29.63
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga) plants in flower with lush green foliage in a border garden.

Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily)

Arthropodium cirratum, commonly known as Rengarenga Lily or New Zealand Rock Lily, is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial native to New Zealand. It...

From$13.43
Arthropodium 'Te Puna' plants with elegant white flowers bordering a path.

Arthropodium 'Te Puna' (Rengarenga Lily)

Arthropodium ‘Te Puna’ is a compact New Zealand native perennial valued for its tidy clumping habit, slender green foliage, and masses of starry...

From$15.53
clivia-miniata-2

Clivia miniata (Natal Lily)

Clivia miniata is a striking perennial known for its vibrant orange trumpet-shaped flowers and dark green strap-like leaves. Perfect for shade...

From$29.63
Alstroemeria 'Inticancha Sunstar' plant in a pot with pink flowers.

Alstroemeria Inticancha Sunstar (Peruvian Lily)

Alstroemeria Inticancha Sunstar is a compact perennial that dazzles with fiery orange blooms featuring yellow centres and subtle dark markings...

From$44.48
alstroemeria-inca-ice-

Alstroemeria Inca Ice (Peruvian Lily)

Alstroemeria Inca Ice is a compact and elegant perennial featuring soft blush-pink flowers with creamy yellow centres and subtle speckling. It...

From$44.48
alstroemeria-inca-rio-

Alstroemeria Inca Rio (Peruvian Lily)

Alstroemeria Inca Rio is a vibrant, compact perennial that bursts with brilliant orange and golden-yellow blooms from spring through to late autumn...

From$44.48
alstroemeria-summer-holiday-

Alstroemeria Summer Holiday (Peruvian Lily)

Alstroemeria Summer Holiday is a stunning compact perennial featuring vibrant coral-pink blooms with golden centres. Flowering continuously from...

From$41.78
Clivia miniata 'Red' plants with elegant, red flowers.

Clivia miniata 'Red' (Natal Lily)

Clivia miniata 'Red' is a striking evergreen perennial prized for its bold red trumpet shaped flowers that appear in late winter and spring. The...

From$16.13
Alstroemeria 'Indigo' plant with purple flowers for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Alstroemeria 'Indigo' (Peruvian Lily)

Alstroemeria 'Indigo' is a vibrant perennial admired for its rich indigo purple flowers marked with delicate contrasting streaks. Flowering from late...

From$41.78
Alstroemeria Pink Star plant in full flower.

Alstroemeria Pink Star (Peruvian Lily)

Alstroemeria Pink Star is a compact, showy perennial that bursts into bloom with striking two-tone flowers—white petals brushed with vibrant pink...

From$41.78
Agapanthus 'Peter Pan' plants with lush green foliage and stunning blue flowers.

Agapanthus 'Peter Pan' (Lily Of The Nile)

Agapanthus 'Peter Pan' is a compact evergreen perennial valued for its tidy clumping habit and masses of soft blue flowers held just above the...

From$18.90
An elegant Alstroemeria 'White Buttons' plant with white flowers in a pot.

Alstroemeria White Buttons (Peruvian Lily)

Alstroemeria 'White Buttons' is a compact, clump-forming perennial prized for its masses of white flowers with yellow and green markings. Blooming...

From$41.78
Spathiphyllum 'Domino' variegated peace Lily with elegant white flowers.

Spathiphyllum 'Domino' (Peace Lily)

Spathiphyllum 'Domino', commonly known as the Variegated Peace Lily, is a stunning indoor plant admired for its lush green leaves marbled with creamy...

From$25.58
Dianella 'Little Jess'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Agapanthus, Alstroemeria, Arthropodium, Clivia, Dianella Phormium and Spathiphyllum, or related Categories - Flaxes Indoor Plants and Perennials.

Search new zealand flax lily

What is the New Zealand Flax Lily?

The plant commonly called New Zealand flax lily typically refers to species and cultivars within the Dianella genus. These robust perennials thrive in coastal areas as well as inland gardens across New Zealand, demanding little more than well-drained soil and occasional watering once established. Some of the most popular varieties include Dianella Goddess, known for its lush, arching foliage and small, starry flowers, and compact forms like Dianella 'Little Jess' and Dianella 'Little Rev', both ideal for edging, rockeries, and small spaces.

Benefits and Uses in the Garden

Incorporating a New Zealand flax lily into your landscaping scheme brings year-round texture and soft movement to your garden beds. These tough, adaptable plants are remarkably resistant to drought, wind, and frost, making them a reliable choice in both urban and rural settings. Use them as an underplanting beneath trees, in mixed perennial beds, or mass planted for a striking ground cover. Their blue or violet berries add a touch of colour in autumn, and the foliage can range from blue-green to deep green depending on the variety.

For those looking to combine different leaf forms and colours, New Zealand flax lilies beautifully complement larger flaxes such as Phormium tenax or variegated options like Phormium 'Stripy Mist', creating a lush, layered effect in your garden.

Care Tips for New Zealand Flax Lily

One of the main reasons Kiwi gardeners love the New Zealand flax lily is its easy-care nature. Plant in free-draining soil and water regularly until established. After that, these plants cope well with dry periods and require only occasional trimming to remove spent flower stems or tidy old leaves. They grow well in full sun to part shade, and their resilience makes them an excellent choice for both formal and naturalistic planting styles.

If you’re searching for a stylish, hardy, and low-fuss perennial, look no further than the New Zealand flax lily or check out selection of varieties like Dianella Goddess, Dianella 'Little Jess', and Dianella 'Little Rev'. Pair with classic flaxes for maximum impact in your outdoor space.


Whether you’re refreshing a border, designing a modern courtyard or seeking fuss-free ground covers, the New Zealand flax lily offers the style, strength, and adaptability every New Zealand gardener needs.


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.

There’s more to explore beyond Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate' and Gardenia Veitchii — like the subtle beauty of Cassia 'John Ball', Alnus cordata, and Corokia Pounamu.
–The Plant Company

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