DIANELLA. East Asia to Australia. These are evergreen perennials of the lily family, forming small thickets. Each shoot is a fountain of arching, narrow leaves somewhat resembling those of Phormium. Their small, white to blue flowers are borne in open sprays, mostly in the summer months, and followed by colorful berries. They are especially attractive filling shady nooks, though they thrive in either sun or shade near the coast. Most soils, moderate watering. The following should be hardy to 18oF or less.
intermedia. Turutu. Prolific in growth, with shoots about 2’ high and shiny, bright green leaves. The whitish blossoms are small, attractive but not showy. However the berries which follow, deep purple-blue in this strain, are highly ornamental.
tasmanica. Larger (to 4’ or more) and bolder than the last, this species has deep green, softly shiny leaves, larger light blue flowers and large, deep—almost metallic—blue berries. There is a selection, sometimes called ‘Variegata’, with broad cream leaf margins and irregular striping in the centers. Plants received as D. ‘Blushy’ may be of the same clone.