Dianella Caerulea
Contents
Description
Dianella Caerulea, also known as the Blueberry Flax Lily, is an evergreen perennial plant that belongs to the family Asphodelaceae. It is native to Australia and New Zealand, where it grows in a wide range of habitats, including coastal areas, forests, and grasslands. The plant is popular among gardeners for its attractive foliage and beautiful flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Dianella |
Appearance
The Dianella Caerulea plant has long, narrow, strap-like leaves that grow up to 3 feet long and 1 inch wide. The leaves are blue-green in color and have a waxy texture. The plant produces small, blue-purple flowers that grow on spikes that can reach up to 4 feet tall. The flowers are followed by small, round, blue-colored berries that are edible but not very tasty. The plant can grow up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for borders, mass plantings, and as a groundcover.
Care Guide
The Dianella Caerulea plant is relatively easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: The plant prefers well-drained soil and requires moderate watering.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require frequent fertilization. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied once in spring.
- Soil: The plant prefers a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Dianella Caerulea plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, and root rot if grown in poorly-drained soil. To prevent these problems, it is important to provide the plant with well-drained soil and to avoid overwatering.
Habitat
The Dianella Caerulea plant is native to Australia and New Zealand, where it grows in a wide range of habitats, including coastal areas, forests, and grasslands. The plant prefers a well-drained soil and can grow in full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Dianella Caerulea plant poisonous?
A: No, the plant is not poisonous. However, the berries are not very tasty and should not be eaten.
Q: Can the Dianella Caerulea plant be grown indoors?
A: While the plant can be grown indoors, it prefers to be grown outdoors in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Q: How often should the Dianella Caerulea plant be watered?
A: The plant prefers moderate watering and should be watered when the soil becomes dry to the touch.
Q: How tall can the Dianella Caerulea plant grow?
A: The plant can grow up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
Related Plants
- Dianella Tasmanica
- Dianella Revoluta
- Dianella Nigra
References
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/grasses/flax-lily/growing-flax-lilies.htm
- https://www.thespruce.com/blueberry-flax-lily-plant-profile-5070531
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/dianella-caerulea-blueberry-flax-lily
