Best in light shade but will take full coastal sun and can take exposed windy locations in clay or sandy soils that are fairly well drained. Give regular to occasional water - the species is often listed as drought tolerant but cannot withstand prolonged dry southern California summers without some irrigation. It is hardy to about 20° F. This plant is sometimes thought of as invasive but this is typically in a well irrigated garden but it is extremely useful in dry shade where it imparts a somewhat tropical look. Its foliage, flowers and berries can all be used in flower arrangements.

Dianella tasmanica was first collected in Tasmania in 1837 where it generally grows in moist wooded forests but it is also found along the coast of New South Wales. It was described by the English botanist Joseph Hooker in 1858. The genus is named after Diana, the Roman goddess, of hunting and Queen of the woods and the specific epithet references the first collection of this plant in Tasmania. This plant also has the common name Flax Lily and Blue Berry Flax Lily. These common names come from the durable leaves that can be woven for basketry and other purposes. We grew this plant from 1996 until 2022 and only stopped when we accidentally sold out our propagation stock. 

The information about Dianella tasmanica 'Variegata' 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.