FLAX LILY VARIEGATED Dianella tasmanica 'Variegata' Characteristics Type: Perennial Water: Dry to medium Zone: 9 to 11 Maintenance: Low Height: 1.50 to 2.00 feet Suggested Use: Ground Cover Spread: 2.00 to 3.00 feet Leaf: Colorful Bloom Time: February to April Fruit: Showy Bloom Description: Blue Tolerate: Deer, Drought Sun: Part shade Culture Prefers medium to dry, average, well-draining soils in part shade. Reliably hardy from Zones 9-11. Limited hardiness in Zone 8. May die back during the winter in colder parts of its range, but should grow back from the roots. In warmer climates it is evergreen. Easily divided by clump division. Tolerates some drought once established. Noteworthy Characteristics Dianella tasmanica, also known as Tasman flax lily or simply flax lily, is a sedge-like, rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial native to Tasmania and southeastern Australia. Its narrow, strap-like leaves can reach 3' long, and individual plants can reach 1.5-2' tall. They spread slowly by creeping rhizomes, and will fill a 3' area. The flowering stalks are held above the foliage and sport a panicle of small (1/2-3/4" in diameter) bluish flowers with prominent yellow stamens. The fruit matures into a small, glossy, steely blue berry. 'Variegata' is a popular cultivar noted for its white and green variegated foliage. Other characteristics match those of the species, except for fruiting, which is not as reliable in 'Variegata'. Problems No serious disease or pest problems. Powdery mildew and various leaf spot diseases have been reported, but are usually not fatal. Garden Uses Use to add color in drier, shady areas. Grows well under trees or paired with other perennials in a mixed border. Can be used as a ground cover, but is slow-growing. Good for container plantings. Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Society Plant Finder .