Dianella revoluta Clarity Blue - Flax lily

Dianella Clarity Blue is a hybrid selected for its steel-blue foliage, which is sharper than in other Dianella varieties; this perennial forms a compact, dense clump that remains attractive in all seasons. Its small blue-violet spring flowers are followed by decorative berries. This cultivar also shows better tolerance to temporary waterlogging and good drought resistance. In very cold regions, grow it in pots so it can be sheltered in winter.

The Dianella genus is now part of the Asphodelaceae family. The botanical species D. revoluta is endemic to Australia, widely distributed from sclerophyllous forests to woodland edges, except in the Northern Territory. It is commonly called Blue Flax Lily or Tasmanian Flax Lily.
Clarity Blue is a hybrid selected by the Australian company Ozbreed, developed by Todd (Tod) Layt. It results from the cross-breeding between the varieties Cassa Blue® and Utopia®. This perennial plant forms a spreading clump, reaching 55 cm in height with a 45 cm spread. The foliage is strap-like, quite rigid, and evergreen in winter. The leaves are upright, linear, steel-blue to grey-blue, covered with a waxy bloom. Flowering occurs from April to June, depending on the climate. It takes the form of light panicles bearing small star-shaped, blue to blue-violet flowers, 1–2 cm in diameter, with yellow stamens; the fruiting consists of decorative, spherical berries of a metallic indigo blue, about 1 cm in diameter. It is a plant with a short rhizome; the clump produces suckers slowly, without being invasive.
Plant Dianella in full sun or partial shade, in well-drained soils, from sandy to clay-loam, slightly acidic to neutral. It tolerates drought once well-established, sea spray, and brief frosts of around -12°C.

Dianella Clarity Blue will fully express its architectural character if you plant several specimens in a contemporary border, especially alongside Phormiums for pots (compact and colourful). This plant is also very interesting in large containers, on a terrace with dark paving. It can also be planted in a partially shaded rockery, or even in a very light woodland understorey, where it will appreciate the humus. You can pair it with Heuchera with purple foliage like 'Forever Purple' or with Carex testacea Lime Shine, which will warm up its steel-blue colouring.

In Australia, various species of Dianella accompany open landscapes; sources mention berries of D. revoluta being consumed locally and the traditional use of leaf fibres for weaving, demonstrating the deep-rootedness of these plants in the Australian flora.