Dianella Caerulea 'Little Jess intended NEW IMPROVED'

Little Jess Flax Lily / Little Jess

Botanical Name: Dianella caerulea ‘Little Jess intended NEW IMPROVED’
Family: Asphodelaceae
Origin: Australia
Plant Type: Strappy grass-like perennial

Overview

A compact, ultra-tidy flax lily for South Australian gardens. ‘Little Jess’ NEW IMPROVED keeps a dense mound of blue-green foliage year-round and throws purple-blue starry flowers in spring, followed by decorative deep-blue berries. Bred for tougher performance while staying neat in borders, edges and mass plantings.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.4–0.5 m H × 0.4–0.5 m W (typical clump)
• Growth Rate: 20-30 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Blue to blue-green strappy leaves; very compact, non-floppy habit
• Flowers: Spring panicles of small, starry blooms; showy blue berries follow
• Seasonal Interest: Year-round structure; spring flowers and long-lasting berries
• Wildlife Value: Flowers for pollinators; berries for birds
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant; coastal-tolerant; light frost (protect from hard frost). Improved tolerance noted in the NEW IMPROVED selection
• Planting Density: Mass planting: 5–8 plants/m²; Edges/drifts: 3–5 plants per linear metre (tight, uniform finish)
• Pet Friendly: Generally non-toxic to pets; avoid ingestion of berries and excessive foliage (may cause mild tummy upset)

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (handles shade better than many forms)
• Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam or improved clay loam; avoid waterlogging
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Mulch in spring; comb or cut back tired leaves every 2–3 years; remove spent flower stems; light feed in early spring
• Lifespan: 15-25 years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Acid, Neutral, Alkaline — adaptable

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Privacy screening and boundary hedges with a refined finish (low edging/drifts rather than tall hedges)
• Mass plant for cohesive, low-maintenance ground-level structure
• Feature near entries, paths and outdoor living spaces; excellent in pots and narrow beds

Why You Will Love It

Fast, reliable and beautifully tidy. ‘Little Jess’ NEW IMPROVED delivers crisp blue-green foliage, spring flowers and berries, and proven drought/heat/coastal resilience — a high-value, low-effort choice for SA landscapes.