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Dianella tasmanica Blaze ['NPW2'] PP23,084 (Blaze Tasman Flax Lily) - A strap-leafed perennial with clumps to 2 feet tall by 30 inches wide with fans of broad, sword-like foliage that has a smooth texture and a glossy sheen. The leaves are green to bronze in summer and are supposed to turn a deep purple-maroon as weather cools in the fall and through winter - unfortunately this does not happen for us in southern California where the leaves remain green and so the plant looks quite similar year-round to the species, Dianella tasmanica, which we also grow. In spring to early summer fall appear the branched inflorescence that rise just above the foliage with blue flowers that contrast well against the darker inflorescence. As with the species this plant spreads by rhizomes and in the right situation can colonize a planter bed but this cultivar is not only smaller but slower growing than typical Dianella tasmanica.
Plant in full coastal sun to with regular irrigation or part shade where it can be irrigated less often getting by with only occasional to infrequent irrigation. It is hardy to about 20° F. This plant is marketed in Australia as a good replacement for New Zealand flax (Phormium sp.) in hot areas where the flax often burn.
Dianella tasmanica Blaze is a naturally occurring spontaneous mutation of Dianella tasmanica Tasred ['TR20'] PP18,737 that was discovered in 2005 by Phillip Dowling of Native Plant Wholesalers in Mount Gambier, South Australia. It received US Plant Patent PP23,084 in September 2012 and is marketed in the US by Dig Plant Company. Because this plant did not turn red in cooler weather for us, we discontinued production of it in 2015 - perhaps in another climate this plant will respond differently but since we don't see it happening, it makes it hard to recommend others try it.
The information about Dianella tasmanica Blaze ['NPW2'] PP23,084 displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |
![Image of Dianella tasmanica Blaze ['NPW2'] PP23,084](https://www.smgrowers.com/imagedb/Dianella_Blaze.jpg )