Flax lily offers many different options of foliage textures and colors. Some of the most common flax lily foliage colors are a simple gray-green midrib with a contrasting bright white or gold edge. Other varieties boast stunning burgundy-blue foliage with a gray cast. Flax lily also offers small blooms, though some types have larger purple or deep-blue blooms borne on long, wiry stems in airy clusters held well above the foliage. Several species have ornamental berries as well. The berries are bright blue and found in clusters hanging above the foliage.
Hardy in Zones 8-11, flax lily is a warm-weather plant that also grows well indoors.
Flax Lily Overview
Where to Plant Flax Lily
Variegated varieties will often fare slightly better when placed in part shade because too much sun may bleach the color and sometimes even burn the leaves. Just about every type will grow in the shade but often have a looser habit and more muted colors. Overall, plant growth is much slower when planted in full shade. Grow it as a houseplant in cooler zones.
This ornamental grass-like foliage plant is suitable for mass plantings near or under trees and at home entryways.
How and When to Plant Flax Lily
Flax lily should be planted in spring or fall. It's best to plant from rhizomes, because it doesn't grow well from seeds.
In general, potted specimens require a planting hole roughly twice the size of their root ball, planted at the same depth as it is in the pot, a deep watering at planting time, and regular watering intervals as the roots take hold.
Flax Lily Care Tips
Flax lilies are extremely easy to grow and require little maintenance.
Light
These plants are tolerant of varying amounts of light. To encourage the most vigorous growth, plant in full sun to part shade. The hotter your area, the more shade flax lily thrives in.
Soil and Water
This plant doesn't tolerate standing water and likes well-drained soil. It's quick to rot if planted in soggy conditions. While flax lilies are very tolerant of drought, for best results, place in an area with even moisture. Droopy, brown plants are getting too much water.
Temperature and Humidity
Higher temperatures, up to 95ºF, and high humidity are best for flax lily. It can handle temperatures down to 65ºF to 70ºF indoors, but it won't flower in that environment. However, the plant is winter hardy even when winter temperatures dip to 20ºF and will continue to regrow yearly.
Fertilizer
Fertilize each spring with a product suited for acidic-soil plants, following product instructions. Cover around the plants (without touching the base) with compost and water thoroughly.
Pruning
In tropical areas, this hardy plant's leaves are semi-evergreen to evergreen. In areas of marginal hardiness, foliage may die back to the ground during cold spells and may need to be cleaned up and trimmed back. The evergreen foliage is often held for long periods and will require the removal of older, yellow leaves.
Potting and Repotting Flax Lily
The best choice for a pot for flax lily is a well-draining terra-cotta container. It will do well in the right container with good potting soil. You'll need to repot flax lily when its rhizomes begin to appear and the plant's leaves start to brown. Divide and replant in similar-sized containers for more plants.
Pests and Problems
Water flax lily in the morning at the base of the plant rather than showering it from overhead to avoid problems like powdery mildew and leaf spot. Also, make sure the plants have plenty of room for air to circulate around them. Armored scale can be a problem as well. Neem oil may help to control it, but armored scale may need more powerful treatment.
How to Propagate Flax Lily
Propagate flax lily from what grows in the garden. To divide, dig up the plant and cut or break the clump into smaller sections of rhizomes with leaves and roots attached. Plant these into the garden immediately at the same depth as the original plant and water well.
If a potted specimen is outgrowing its container, divide the plant and replant the pieces in fresh potting soil in separate containers.
Types of Flax Lily
'Variegata' Flax Lily
This is a variegated variety of Dianella tasmanica. It has standard foliage with bright white margins. Zones 8-10
Flax Lily Companion Plants
Annual Begonia
Annual begonia does well in various conditions, but to keep it at its best, give it light shade, rich, well-drained soil, and ample water. It also loves plenty of fertilizer, so be generous. Plant annual begonias in spring after all danger of frost has passed. No need to deadhead this flower unless you want to; it's self-cleaning. Zones 7-11
Acanthus
Bear's breeches is like a living sculpture in the garden. It offers sturdy spires of white or pink blooms with papery purple bracts and rich-green, spiny-looking foliage. The plants tolerate poor, dry soil once established but need regular moisture to get started. In well-drained soil, bear's breeches can spread to become a large colony, but it's not invasive. Zones 5-10
Flax Lily Garden Plan
Drought-Tolerant Landscape Plan
This garden plan will save time and money since you won't be watering as frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is flax lily a type of lily?No. Flax lily is a member of the Asphodelaceae family of plants, while lily is a member of the Liliaceae family.
No. Flax lily is a member of the Asphodelaceae family of plants, while lily is a member of the Liliaceae family.
- Does flax lily grow quickly?Yes, it's fast-growing, reaching 18 to 24 inches tall and 3 feet wide within 90 days.
Yes, it's fast-growing, reaching 18 to 24 inches tall and 3 feet wide within 90 days.