Dianella: everything you need to know about this plant with blue flowers

dianelle

Have you ever heard of Dianella? Do you know what kind of plant it is? What if you could have it in the garden?

Next we will talk about one of the plants that serves to decorate the garden in a very striking way. Want to know more?

Contents

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The first thing you need to know about Dianella is that It is a plant that has about 40 different varieties. Not all of them are known, only some, but those that are quite appreciated for the color that they have between their leaves, their stem and, above all, their flowers.

It is native to New Zealand, Tasmania, but can now be found virtually anywhere in the world.

In general, The leaves of Dianella are the most characteristic of the plant. These are quite long and narrow. Similar to duct tape or phormium, but they are totally different. The leaves it has are somewhat toothed and in terms of color they can be in various shades of green, but there is a variegated version (which is obviously the most popular and decorative) with a green band and white edges.

The flowers, on the other hand, are blue. (which in itself makes them very popular). These have three petals and three sepals and the hue blends well with the green of the leaves and stem, as well as the yellow of the stamens.

After flowering, these flowers give rise to berries, also blue or purple, where there is a pulp inside that protects the seeds.

Best-known species of Dianella

As we have already told you, the Dianella has about 40 different species. Most of them retain the general characteristics of this plant, but some stand out.

In general, not all of them are known, they are not usually kept in a garden either, but those that are generally used to decorate them are the following:

  • dianella tasmatica, with very long leaves and stars as if they were ribbons. They curve inwards and are green in color with some yellow or white stripes.
  • dianella caerulea, with long leaves but not green but rather of a bluish tint. The flowers are usually more purple than blue.
  • dianella revoluta. It is characterized by green and long leaves, yes, but they are more fleshy than the other Dianellas. In addition, the flowers it gives, although blue, are very similar to those of lilies.

Dianalla care

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If after learning about this plant you have decided that you have a place in your garden to have one, know that it is not difficult to find in nurseries and garden centers. It’s not relatively expensive either, but for less than 10 euros you can get it (of course, it will all depend on the species you are looking for).

However, although the plant is low maintenance and you don’t have to worry much about it, the truth is that you should be aware that basic care is being followed. And what are they? We discuss this below.

location and temperature

The Dianella is a very hardy outdoor plant. That implies that its best location will be outside the house, and if possible in full sun. Are you saying you can’t have it inside? In fact, yes. You see, this plant, although it can tolerate partial shade, if it is for many hours, in the end it suffers and ends up losing its leaves and the plant dies. Therefore, when you put it in a place, it should be in direct sunlight.

You can plant it in a pot or have it in the garden (either alone or with other plants of the same or similar species).

Regarding the temperature, as you will have seen He has no problem with the sun and the heat, It’s very hard. But what about the cold? Well it’s the same, it’s resistant. However, if you live in an area where there are usually a lot of frequent frosts, the best thing to do is to cover the plant as it may suffer.

Substrate

The best soil for Dianella is one that is very fertile and has good drainage.

For that, we recommend using a mixture with universal substrate, organic matter or compost and drainage such as gravel, silica sand, expanded clay or perlite so that it is oxygenated and there is no accumulation of water.

You should use this mixture in both cases, that is, whether you plant it in a pot or in the garden.

Irrigation

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As for watering, it is not demanding. In fact, it’s quite drought tolerant, but that doesn’t mean you can forget to water it.

In winter, this can happen, because with the ambient humidity there can be more than enough. But in summer it is more advisable to water it regularly, especially if you have it in full sun and it is very hard, which makes the temperatures very high. In this season, if possible, do not let the soil dry out completely.

You can also water the leaves to keep them fresh and clean. You will also ensure that they do not suffer from heat stress.

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Next to the irrigation water, and every two weeks in spring and summer, you need to add a little fertilizer. Use one of the 18-12-24 types with microelements that will give you more energy and above all a unique vitality and color.

Size

Pruning has two phases. The first takes place during the summer, where you will have to cut the flower stalks as they dry out (because that way you will make it bloom again). Also you must remove damaged leaves or those that dry out.

The second phase occurs in autumn or winter, where the plant is pruned more so that it can regenerate and become as strong again in the spring.

Multiplication

As for the propagation of Dianella, it can be done by seeds (by planting them), by cutting the plant (the so-called cuttings), or by dividing the bush.

Do you dare to have a Dianella in your garden? Did you know this plant?

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