Are flax lilies invasive in Florida?
Note: A related plant, the cerulean flax lily ( Dianella ensifolia) is considered invasive and is not recommended for use by the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas.
Is flax lily over-used?
Flax Lily ( Dianella tasmanica 'Variegata') has been utilized to the fullest at Hoe and Shovel and several posts have been previously written about my admiration for it. By some standards it is probably over-used. When I first fell in love with it I implemented it mostly as an edging plant for curvaceous borders.
Is flax lily a perennial?
Flax lily, Dianella tasmanica, is a spreading perennial with flat, glossy green leaves. This grass-like foliage plant is often used as a groundcover, border plant, or even as an accent plant, to bring color and texture into the landscape. This fast-growing plant also works well in containers.
Are flax lilies good for outdoor use?
Flax Lily If you’re looking for a tough and rugged accent plant that works either as a houseplant or outdoors, go for the flax lily. With swordlike, often variegated foliage, the flax lily is accustomed to droughts because it is native to the outback of Australia.
How tall does a flax lily grow?
What is the best plant to grow in Florida?
What is a flax lily?
Is cerulean flax lily invasive?
Can flax lily be killed by frost?
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Does flax lily spread?
Flax lily spreads in a clumping habit through rhizomes. Propagation by division is the easiest way to spread this plant around your garden.
How big do variegated flax lilies get?
about 24 inches tallVariegated Flax Lily will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front.
Should flax lily be cut back?
Flax lily plants are often used for ornamental purposes and, because they tend to take on a leggy appearance, occasional pruning is required. Cutting back flax lilies every five years or so will help give the plant a fuller, healthier appearance.
Will flax lily survive a freeze?
Dianella will die back after a hard freeze. All you have to do is cut the leaves off at the base and the plant will re-sprout as warmer temperatures return. Though a flower stalk with small blue flowers emerges in the winter and spring, Dianella is mostly planted for its attractive leaf variegations.
What looks good with flax lily?
Flax Lily's sword-like leaves edged with white add great texture and sparkling contrast when planted near dark-leaved shrubs, broad-leaved plants, or bright flowers. Loose sprays of starry-purple flowers are followed by attractive black berries.
How far apart do you plant flax lily?
Plant spacing Plant 2 to 2-1/2 feet apart. Ditto for placing beside or in front of other plants. Come out from the house 1 to 2 feet, and in from walks and drives about 2 feet. These plants will do fine in a container.
How do you get rid of flax plants?
Unfortunately, flax are not the easiest of plants to remove, however, now would be a good time because the soil is moist, making it easier to remove the roots. Cut the flax back to approx. 300mm above ground level, this will allow easier access to the roots that need to be dug out.
Can flax lily grow in full sun?
While flax lilies are very tolerant of drought, for best results place in an area with even moisture. These plants are tolerant of varying amounts of light. In order to encourage the most vigorous growth, plant in full sun to part shade.
Will deer eat flax lily?
Flax Lily is fairly cold hardy but recovers nicely if frost damaged. It is very drought tolerant once established as well as moderately salt tolerant. Deer generally do not eat it either.
Is flax lily a perennial or annual?
perennialFlax lily, Dianella tasmanica, is a spreading perennial with flat, glossy green leaves. This grass-like foliage plant is often used as a groundcover, border plant, or even as an accent plant, to bring color and texture into the landscape. This fast-growing plant also works well in containers.
Is flax lily poisonous?
Symptoms: Berries are regarded as poisonous although evidence is limited to a few circumstantial cases; no clear exposure and effect has been seen. Reported symptoms include difficulty breathing, hiccups and dizziness. Warning: Seek medical attention if ingestion results in symptoms.
Why is my flax lily turning brown?
Tips of leaves may turn brown if it is freezing or it may die. ➔ Overwatering or underwatering may cause leaf tips to turn brown.
Does variegated flax lily bloom?
The Variegated flax lily has a clumping habit in size to 2 ft. tall and stiff pale green sword-like leaves with white striping. Inflorescences of tiny white and yellow flowers occur in spring and are often unnoticed.
How tall are flax lilies?
A hardy perennial native herb 0.5 to 1.5m tall, cultivated as a garden ornamental for its attractive foliage and striking blue/purple berries. Flower can range in colour from pale blue through to deep blue/purple, are roughly 1 to 2cm wide with 6 petals with 6 exserted yellow to brown stamens.
Is variegated flax lily perennial?
Variegated Flax Lily is a dense herbaceous evergreen perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth.
Does a flax lily bloom?
Despite its common name, flax lily is used primarily as a foliage plant, and doesn't have showy blossoms. Very small, light-blue flowers with prominent yellow stamens are produced from winter through spring. Flowers are occasionally followed by bright blue berries about the size of an olive.
How to Care for a Flax Lily | eHow
The flax lily (Dianella tasmanica) thrives in USDA zones 8-11. Grown as a ground cover or potted plant in shade, they are easy-care, grasslike perennials. Pruning variegated flax lily in late winter may be necessary when the leaves have turned solid green.
Flax Lily - Better Homes & Gardens
Description: If you’re looking for a tough and rugged accent plant that works either as a houseplant or outdoors, go for the flax lily. With swordlike, often variegated foliage, the flax lily is accustomed to droughts because it is native to the outback of Australia.
Why do gardeners like flax lilies?
Gardeners favor the flax lily because it offers many different options of foliage textures and colors. While the regular species tends to come in a solid green, many of the hybrid varieties are available in an array of color variegations.
What color are berries on a sage tree?
Several species have ornamental berries as well. The berries are bright blue and look stunning when found in clusters hanging above the eye-catching foliage.
Where is flax lily native to?
With swordlike, often variegated foliage, the flax lily is accustomed to droughts because it is native to the outback of Australia.
Can flax lily be affected by scale?
Flax lily is susceptible to fungal leaf spot, but it is usually not too severe of a problem. Mealybugs and scale can also be an occasional concern for flax lily.
Is a flax lily evergreen?
In tropical areas, this hardy plant's leaves are semi-evergreen to evergreen. In areas of marginal hardiness, foliage may die back to the ground during cold spells and may need to be cleaned up a bit and trimmed back. The evergreen foliage is often held for long periods of time and will require the occasion removal of older, yellow leaves. Flax lily is susceptible to fungal leaf spot, but it is usually not too severe of a problem. Mealybugs and scale can also be an occasional concern for flax lily.
Do flax lilies need water?
Flax lilies are extremely easy to grow and require little maintenance. When planting, remember this plant does not tolerate standing water and likes well-drained soil. It's quick to rot if planted in soggy conditions. While flax lilies are very tolerant of drought, for best results place in an area with even moisture.
Do flax lilies like sun or shade?
These plants are tolerant of varying amounts of light. In order to encourage the most vigorous growth, plant in full sun to part shade.
What color are lilies?
The flowers bloom in panicles on stalks that jut up over the foliage. The individual blooms are small (1/2 inch to 3/4 inch across) but numerous enough to put on a show. They are usually blue (with striking yellow stamens) but occasionally white. The flowers are succeeded by shiny, blue berries. The rich color of the flowers and of the berries is welcome in the shade garden. Flax lily is particularly useful under trees: Dry shade poses challenges that many shade plants cannot tolerate.
What zone do flax lilies grow in?
The leaves can reach 3 feet long. The bold foliage contrasts well with softer-looking plants. The foliage is evergreen in zone 11. The flowers bloom in panicles on stalks that jut up over the foliage.
What is the meaning of the word "flax"?
The "flax" refers to the look of the flowers, which resemble the flowers of the actual flax genus ( Linum ). The "lily" part refers to the fact that some members of the Asphodelaceae family used to be grouped in the lily family.
How long are flax lilies leaves?
Flax lily has rigid, blade-shaped leaves, rather like Adam's needle ( Yucca filamentosa ). The leaves can reach 3 feet long. The bold foliage contrasts well with softer-looking plants. The foliage is evergreen in zone 11.
How does a flax lily spread?
Flax lily spreads via underground rhizomes, but it does so only over a long period of time. If you can't wait that long, you can propagate by dividing its clumps, instead.
How to propagate flax lily?
If you can't wait that long, you can propagate flax lily by dividing its clumps, instead. Flax lily is susceptible to diseases such as leaf spot and powdery mildew, but you can lower the chances of such infestations through generous spacing, by avoiding overhead watering, and by watering in the morning ...
What is the name of the flower that is named after the goddess of the hunt?
The genus name of Dianella derives from the name for the Roman goddess of the hunt, Diana. The species name of tasmanica refers to the geographical origin of the plant. As for the two parts of the common name of "flax lily":
What are stiff leaves?
Leaves: The stiff leaves are strap-like, long and narrow sometimes with a waxy bloom on the under surface.
What is the name of the blueberry lily?
Other common names: Flax lily, Blueberry lily. Family: Hemerocallidaceae. General description: A hardy perennial native herb 0.5 to 1.5m tall, cultivated as a garden ornamental for its attractive foliage and striking blue/purple berries. Flowers: Flower can range in colour from pale blue through to deep blue/purple, ...
How tall is a blue flax lily?
Blue flax lily (Dianella) A hardy perennial native herb 0.5 to 1.5m tall, cultivated as a garden ornamental for its attractive foliage and striking blue/purple berries.
When was Dianella tasmanica first discovered?
Above: As an edging plant, variegated Dianella creates a crisp, tailored look alongside a pathway. Photograph by Jason Baker via Flickr. In 1837, the first specimen of Dianella tasmanica was collected by South African botanist Ronald Campbell Gunn off the coast of Australia, in Tasmania.
What color is Dianella?
Some are banded with yellow, others with pure white, and one has a red-tinged base. These varieties really stand out in the garden from a long distance and provide superior foliage interest in container combinations and as accents in shaded spots.
What zone do flax lilies grow in?
A tropical plant that can survive a frost, flax lily is recommended for USDA growing zones 7 to 11 (a range which varies by cultivar). Above: Flax lily in flower. Photograph by Cowirrie via Flickr.
What temperature does a lily grow?
Hardy to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, this grass look-a-like plant is a member of the lily family and grows energetically and spreads by rhizomes in coastal full sun (where it will proliferate with regular irrigation), but is more reserved and controllable in part-sun locations with minimal irrigation.
Can flax lily be planted in shade?
Flax lily does best in partial shade to heavy shade. Dianella tasmanica tolerates clay, sand and some water-logging but prefers well-drained soils. Prevent rapidly colonization of Dianella by watering infrequently. Once established, flax lily can be drought tolerant.
Is Dianella a good plant for a tree?
Flax lily is extremely successful in dry shade, where it imparts a tropical vibe. Dianella is a superb choice for mass planting under large trees. The foliage, flowers, and berries of flax lily are attractive additions to flower arrangements.
Is Dianella a perennial?
A sturdy flowering perennial that grows in low clumps and hails from Australia, Dianella can play a similar role to ornamental grasses in a landscape. Please keep reading to learn if Dianella, commonly known as flax lily, is your sister-saving (or garden-saving) plant.
What is Dianella tasmanica?
Belonging to the family Hemerocallidaceae, the genus Dianella consists of about 181 species, forms and varieties worldwide. The cultivated variegated flaxlily ( Dianella tasmanica ‘Variegata’) is commonly planted in Florida landscapes. Other species of this genus also have been cultivated and hybridized and are widely utilized in landscape settings. It is not uncommon to find Dianella species and cultivars promoted as “Florida friendly” landscape plants. Some forms or varieties of the cerulean flaxlily include D. ensifolia f. albiflora , D. ensifolia f. aureovariegata , D. ensifolia f. racemulifera, and D. ensifolia f. straminea. Common names of cultivars include border gold, border silver, Darwingold and sougold. Cultivars differ in coloration patterns or form in leaf variegation. The taxonomy of Dianella is still unclear as little research has been conducted on this genus.
How does a cerulean flaxlily propagate?
Propagation of the plant is by vegetative growth or seed. In its native range, the cerulean flaxlily occurs in open shrubland, evergreen rainforests, wet pinelands, coastal dunes, sandbars, grasslands and open lowland forests, from sea level to 1600 m. It occurs in a wide variety of niches in both temperate to tropical climates, and proliferates in open or shaded habitats. It seems to tolerate a wide range of temperature, light, moisture, soils and elevation. In Highlands Hammock State Park (HHSP), we have observed it as an epiphyte on sabal palms.
What are the flowers of Cerulean Flaxlily?
The serrations may only be visible on one margin of the leaf. The terminal florets form a panicle which grows beyond the height of the lily by about 0.25 m. The perfect flowers have three sepals and three petals and are white with a yellowish tint. Fruits are succulent, bright, violet-blue berries typically containing five shiny, black seeds. While the plant flowers and fruits most prolifically during the warm months of the year, some flowers and fruit can be present on plants throughout the year. The pulp of the berries is high in carbohydrates. It is eaten by some birds in their native habitat, which results in the spread of seeds. The seeds have been used as a natural rodenticide and are reported to be toxic to livestock, which indicates they are not likely to be dispersed by most mammals (Wang, 1984).
What are the common names of Dianella?
Common names of cultivars include border gold, border silver, Darwingold and sougold. Cultivars differ in coloration patterns or form in leaf variegation. The taxonomy of Dianella is still unclear as little research has been conducted on this genus. Propagation of the plant is by vegetative growth or seed.
Where is the Cerulean Flaxlily native to?
The cerulean flaxlily, Dianella ensifolia, is a perennial evergreen native to Australia, Southeast Asia, and Africa. It is also called dianella lily, flax-lily, umbrella dracaena, Benjuang, and sagatit. Although it is not prohibited by the State of Florida or listed by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council, it has been documented in natural areas ...
Is Dianella a Florida friendly plant?
Other species of this genus also have been cultivated and hybridized and are widely utilized in landscape settings. It is not uncommon to find Dianella species and cultivars promoted as “Florida friendly” landscape plants.
Do birds eat berries?
While the plant flowers and fruits most prolifically during the warm months of the year, some flowers and fruit can be present on plants throughout the year. The pulp of the berries is high in carbohydrates. It is eaten by some birds in their native habitat, which results in the spread of seeds.
Is flax lily overused?
Flax Lily ( Dianella tasmanica 'Variegata') has been utilized to the fullest at Hoe and Shovel and several posts have been previously written about my admiration for it. By some standards it is probably over-used. When I first fell in love with it I implemented it mostly as an edging plant for curvaceous borders. Once established I began dividing it and placing it in container plants as vertical interest and sometimes clumping it in groups within a planting bed.
Is a sage plant a Florida friend?
It IS a versatile Florida-Friendly plant with that much-loved upright habit that tends to draw my attention in many plant varieties.
How tall does a flax lily grow?
Flax lily grows in clumps, and reaches a mature height and spread of between 1 and 3 feet. A variegated variety, Dianella tasmanica 'Variegata', is quite popular due to its white stripes, which provide additional visual interest to the landscape.
What is the best plant to grow in Florida?
Flax lily is a great foliage plant for many Florida landscapes. For more information on growing flax lily in your garden, contact your local county Extension office.
What is a flax lily?
Flax lily, Dianella tasmanica, is a spreading perennial with flat, glossy green leaves. This grass-like foliage plant is often used as a groundcover, border plant, or even as an accent plant, to bring color and texture into the landscape. This fast-growing plant also works well in containers.
Is cerulean flax lily invasive?
Ornamental Grasses. Note: A related plant, the cerulean flax lily ( Dianella ensifolia) is considered invasive and is not recommended for use by the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas.
Can flax lily be killed by frost?
While flax lily can be killed back by frost, if your plant is well-established it will likely grow back from the roots once temperatures begin to warm back up.
