Dianella Revoluta 'Little Rev'

Little Rev Flax Lily / Black Anther Flax Lily / Little Rev

Botanical Name: Dianella revoluta ‘Little Rev’
Family: Asphodelaceae
Origin: Australia
Plant Type: Strappy grass-like perennial

Overview

‘Little Rev’ is a compact, ultra-neat flax lily for South Australian gardens. It forms tight, upright fans of blue-grey to blue-green, strappy foliage year-round, then sends up starry blue-purple flowers in spring, followed by decorative deep-blue berries. Bred for tidy form and toughness — perfect for borders, path edging, mass plantings and pots in coastal and Mediterranean climates.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.4–0.6 m H × 0.4–0.6 m W
• Growth Rate: 20-30 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Upright, narrow blue-grey/blue-green leaves; very tidy, architectural habit
• Flowers: Spring panicles; decorative berries follow
• Seasonal Interest: Reliable year-round structure with spring bloom and long-lasting berries
• Wildlife Value: Flowers for pollinators; berries provide seasonal food for birds
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant
  coastal-tolerant; light frost (protect from hard frost)
• Planting Density: Mass planting: 4–6 plants per m²; Edges/drifts: 2–3 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 (colour and habit are best with good light)
• 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

• Refined edging and border drifts (not for tall privacy hedges)
• Mass plant for cohesive, low-maintenance structure in gravel/native schemes
• 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 Rev’ brings crisp blue-grey foliage, spring flowers and berries, and excellent drought/heat/coastal resilience — a high-value, low-effort choice for SA landscapes.