Dianella tasmanica Blaze

Dianella tasmanica 'Blaze' is a sculptural perennial from Oceania, with evergreen leaves forming a flexible chocolate brown clump for most of the year. In early summer, it produces graceful spikes of small blue flowers with yellow hearts. Not very hardy, it is best suited for very mild climates, such as coastal areas, in a contemporary-inspired garden. It requires acidic and well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade, and can withstand periods of drought. 

Dianella tasmanica is a species native to the southeast coast of Australia and the island of Tasmania. It can be found in clearings and open woodlands, on soft, moist, and acidic, often sandy, soils. Dianellas have often been moved to various botanical families as scientific research progresses. Currently, it is considered to be part of the Asphodelaceae family, along with phormiums, aloes, steppe lilies (Eremurus), and asphodels. The plant forms a clump of flexible and arched leaves, which sets it apart from other species like Dianella revoluta, which has upright leaves. In late spring, between May and July, the plant produces very graceful, branched spikes with numerous small blue-purple flowers with golden stamens - although the 'Blaze' variety does not seem to flower extensively. In favourable climates, the flowers are followed by small round, bright violet fruits, extremely decorative and long-lasting. The clumps slowly but steadily spread through short rhizomes that increase in diameter over the years.

The 'Blaze' variety is characterized by its magnificent, eye-catching foliage of warm chocolate tones, with reddish tips, for a good part of the year. The plant may be slightly greener in summer. It reaches about 45 cm (18in) high and 50 cm (20in) wide. 

Due to its origins, the Dianella 'Blaze' is not very hardy: it can tolerate light frost, but strongly suffers below -5°C and will probably disappear below -7°C. Provide it with a suitable location, sheltered from cold winds, in a region that does not experience severe frost. This species likes acidic (lime is harmful to it), moist to wet soils, not too poor. It enjoys full sun or partial shade, and can even be planted in full shade in regions with very hot summers (like its native Australia). However, good soil drainage is essential to prevent the rotting of the dense and shallow-rooted crow. Once well established, the crowns withstand summer drought and heat well, and are easy to grow.

Due to its striking Australian design, the Dianella 'Blaze' will make an impression if planted in multiple specimens in a contemporary flowerbed, for example, alongside its cousins the phormiums - consider 'Golden Ray' or 'Rainbow Maiden', with complementary hues, and other lighter Dianella varieties like 'Coolvista'. It is also interesting as a standalone specimen, or in a large pot, on a terrace with light-coloured tiles.