Dianella Revoluta 'Revelation'

Revelation Flax Lily / Revelation

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

Overview

‘Revelation’ is a compact, mass-planting standout for South Australian gardens. It forms neat clumps of blue-green foliage year-round and sends up abundant blue, starry flowers from mid-spring to early summer, followed by decorative blue/purple berries. Bred to cope with both dry spells and periodic wet feet, it’s ideal for borders, paths, and large drifts in coastal and Mediterranean climates.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.4–0.6 m H × 0.4–0.6 m W (typ. ~50 × 50 cm)
• Growth Rate: 20-30 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Clean, blue-green strappy leaves; compact, non-floppy habit
• Flowers: Mid-spring–early summer; masses of small blue blooms; berries follow
• Seasonal Interest: Reliable year-round structure; peak display in spring–summer with 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; clay-tolerant (with improved drainage); light frost (protect from hard frost). Handles periodic wet feet better than typical D. revoluta.
• Planting Density: Mass planting: 4–6 plants/m²; edges/drifts: 2–3 plants/linear metre
• Pet Friendly: Generally regarded as non-toxic, but some poison centres note berries may be potentially toxic (evidence limited). Discourage chewing and supervise pets.

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Well-drained loam or sandy loam; tolerates improved clay; avoid chronic waterlogging (though more tolerant than most revoluta)
• 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; remove spent flower stems; comb or cut back tired leaves every 2–3 years; 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

• Mass plant for cohesive, low-maintenance ground-level structure along paths/medians
• Tidy edging/drifts through gravel or native plantings
• Feature near entries and outdoor living spaces; suitable for large pots

Why You Will Love It

Fast, reliable and beautifully tidy year-round. ‘Revelation’ delivers crisp blue-green foliage, a strong spring flower show with berries, and proven toughness in SA — including better tolerance of wet spells — making it a high-value, low-effort choice for borders and mass plantings.