Dianella

Family. Liliaceae.

Origin. Australia.

Description. These tender perennials reach a height of 150 cm. Dianellas have dark green, stiff, strap-like leaves that form in tufts at the top of short shoots. Bright blue or purple star-shaped flowers appear in summer on tall branched peduncles up to 1.7 m high, collected in inflorescences - panicles. Each flower has 6 upward-curved petals. In autumn, no less decorative round purple berries with a diameter of 0.5 - 1 cm are formed, which remain for many months after flowering.

Height. A herbaceous plant with leaves up to 1.5 m long.

Home care

Temperature conditions

From spring to autumn, normal room temperature is suitable for growing dianella; in winter, place the plant in a cool room with a temperature of 7 - 12 ° C. 

Lighting

Does not like direct sunlight, prefers partial shade.

Care

Remove old brown leaves, which can serve as a basis for the development of various diseases and spoil the appearance of the flower.

Substrate

Peat-based, neutral to acidic pH, well drained. A mixture consisting of 1 part garden soil, 3 parts peat and 1 part coarse river sand is suitable. 

Feeding

Feed dianella in spring and summer during the period of active growth with liquid fertilizers 2 times a month. 

Flowering time

Summer. 

Air humidity

Spray the leaves periodically to prevent pests such as spider mites.

Soil moisture

Dianella is an unpretentious plant in terms of watering, but you should avoid extremes in caring for it. Avoid long periods of drought, as well as waterlogging. 

Transplant

In spring, annually. 

Reproduction

By dividing adult plants or by seeds sown in spring in moist, nutritious and loose soil. 

Pests and diseases

The flower may be attacked by aphids.