Dianella tasmanica Destiny ['TAS100'] PP19,338 (Destiny Flax Lily) - A 3-to-4-foot tall, variegated form of the Tasman Flax Lily that is grown for its compact form and bold white-striped gray-green leaves. Inflorescence and flower development has not yet been observed on this selection, but the species has small flowers that appear in mid spring that have pale violet sepals with white striped green petals and are followed by attractive dark blue berries.
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 when grown in a sunny location but is more water thrifty in shade. This selection is noted as among the more frost hardier ones and is listed as being able to handle 20 degrees F without damage. Remove dead leaves as required or cut back every year or two. Should prove a nice plant for mass plantings, an accent in the garden or as a potted plant.
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.
Dianella tasmanica Destiny was discovered as a mutation from a unnamed bred Dianella tasmanica cultivar by Todd Layt of Ozbreed in 2005 and received U.S. Plant Patent 19,338 in 2008. It is marketed in the U.S. by Dig Plant Company. Photos courtesy of Ozbreed. We were originally informed that this plant was considerably shorter, but it has grown to be one of the taller variegated selection that we grow.
The information about Dianella tasmanica Destiny ['TAS100'] PP19,338 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. |