Dianella Tasmanica 'Blaze'

Tasman Flax Lily / Blaze Flax Lily / Blaze

Botanical Name: Dianella tasmanica ‘Blaze’
Family: Asphodelaceae
Origin: Australia (SE Aus, incl. Tasmania)
Plant Type: Strappy grass-like perennial

Overview

Dianella ‘Blaze’ is a compact, colour-changing flax lily for South Australian gardens. It forms tidy clumps of blue-green foliage that flushes rich red/copper in cold weather, then sends up purple-blue starry flowers in spring–summer with decorative deep-blue/purple berries. A low-maintenance choice for borders, path edging, pots and mass plantings in coastal and Mediterranean climates.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.3-0.6 m H x 0.4-0.6 m W
• Growth Rate: 20-30 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Blue-green strappy leaves; compact, non-floppy habit; strong red/copper tints in winter/cold
• Flowers: Purple-blue starry flowers; deep-blue/purple berries follow
• Seasonal Interest: Year-round structure; winter colour flush plus spring–summer flowers and long-lasting berries
• Wildlife Value: Flowers support pollinators; berries provide seasonal bird interest
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant
  coastal-tolerant; light frost (protect from hard frost); clay-tolerant with improved drainage
• Planting Density: Mass planting: 2–3 plants per m²; Edges/drifts: 1–2 plants per linear metre
• Pet Friendly: Yes — generally non-toxic to pets (ingesting any plant may cause mild tummy upset)

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (provide light afternoon shade inland for best leaf tips/colour)
• 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 in late winter; 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

• Neat edging and drifts along paths and driveways (not for tall privacy hedges)
• Mass plant for cohesive, low-maintenance ground-level structure
• Feature in large pots near entries and outdoor living spaces

Why You Will Love It

Fast, reliable and striking with winter red tones. ‘Blaze’ delivers crisp blue-green foliage year-round, seasonal flowers and berries, and strong drought/heat/coastal resilience — a high-value, low-effort choice for SA landscapes.