DIANELLA tasmanica

A very attractive hardy robust spreading lily that grows in tufts and spreads by vigorous rhizomes. Panicles of delicate blue flowers and yellow anthers occurring in long loose heads in spring and summer followed by large violet blue berries.

The leaves of flax lilies were used by aboriginal people for making string. The long leaves were split and the fibre twisted for making strong ties. Leaves were also used for basket making.

Native to south eastern Australia and Tasmania.
Prefers a medium to heavy soil in a protected shaded position. Drought and frost resistant.

Grow notes:

Although seed can be sown most of the year in many parts of Australia seed is generally best sown in spring or autumn, avoid the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 18-22°C for this species.

Seed germinate readily, however they do have a hard outer coating that is impervious to water and generally germination will normally not occur unless the seed is scarified by abrading or pre-treated with boiling water first.

1. Place the seed in a container and pour in just-boiled water and allow to soak overnight.
2. The swollen seed can then be sown, re-treat seeds that have not swollen.
3. Sow the depth of seed width keep warm & moist but not wet.
4. Germination should occur in 14-28 days @ 18-22C.

General notes:
Note 1: Some research has shown that this genus may be responsive to pre-treatment of smoke. Although germination may occur without smoke treatment it has proved to be beneficial in reducing the number of days to germination and increasing germination rates of this species.

Smoke treatments are simple and can be undertaken either by soaking the seed overnight or by applying it to the surface after sowing, both provide good results. Smoke treatments available by clicking here.

Note 2: Seeds of many natives are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.