Dianella prunina Utopia ['DP303'] - A medium-sized rhizomatous flax lily that grows to 18 inches tall with very attractive contrasting reddish-purple and blue-green foliage (sometimes described as gun metal blue) that twists to expose both sides of the leaf and the reddish edge from any angle. The inflorescence is taller for this species than other Dianella with blue-violet yellow-anthered flowers rising to nearly 2 feet above the foliage.
Plant in full sun to light shade. Tolerates regular garden irrigation to dry conditions and can go extended periods without irrigation but does not do well in overly wet heavy soils. Reported hardy in England to 11 F. Plant slightly elevated to prevent crown becoming buried.
Dianella prunina has a native range throughout the sandstone areas of the Sydney Basin. The genus is named after Diana, the Roman goddess, of hunting and Queen of the woods and the specific epithet is from Latin meaning "plum" or "plum_colored", presumably a reference to the purplish tinge of the foliage or the perhaps the color of the berries. Its typical form is very large, but this selection is more compact and bushier.
The typical form of the species is very large but the selection Utopia is more compact and bushy though trials on the east coast of the US note that the leaves have become a little long and floppy in their humid climate. The plant was introduced into the United States by VersaScapes of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina and later marketed by Dig Plants, Inc. We loved the look of this plant that we grew from 2008 until 2012 but its tendency to flop over unless staked prompted us to eventually discontinue production of it.
The information about Dianella prunina Utopia ['DP303'] 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. |