Variegated Flax Lily Care

Variegated flax lily Dianella tasmanica variegata is a shade-loving grass valued for its attractive foliage, versatility and low-maintenance growth habit. Variegated flax lily is an effective groundcover, as each plant reaches a height of 2 to 3 feet with a spread of at least 2 feet. A tropical perennial grass, variegated flax lily is suitable for planting in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 8 to 11.

Varegated flax lily grows in any well-drained soil, but prefers moderately rich soil. While variegated lily grows in full sunlight, the plant is healthier in full or partial shade.

Variegated flax lily is easily planted in a flowerbed amended with 2 to 3 inches of compost or manure. The grass is also planted in large containers filled with a well-drained commercial potting mixture. Planted closely together, variegated flax lily is an effective, slow-growing groundcover but also works well planted with other shade-loving trees and shrubs.

Drought tolerance is one of the many benefits of variegated flax lily, which is often planted as part of low-water landscapes. Although its water requirements are few, the plant benefits from weekly irrigation during long, dry periods. Water is more important for plants growing in full sunlight. Water container plants whenever the soil feels dry. Feed variegated flax lily three times per year: in early spring, midsummer and autumn. Use a general-purpose garden fertilizer.

Variegated flax lily is evergreen in warm, tropical climates. Although the plant may be nipped by light frost in cooler climates, it grows back from the roots in spring. Variegated flax lily doesn't tolerate freezing weather and climates cooler than USDA zone 8.