The Dwarf flax lily is an evergreen clumping perennial with pale green foliage, a stiff upright growth habit, 3-4 ft. tall and as wide. Leaves have sharply serrated margins; branched panicles of purple and yellow star-shaped flowers grow above the foliage in mid spring. Sometimes, colorful dark blue berries grow to 1/2 in. dia. and provide attractive accent value during summer.
This tough and attractive flax lily is native to southeastern Australia and Tasmania where it grows in moist soils within the shaded understory of eucalyptus forests. It grows mostly with a clumping habit, but can send out rhizomes to establish new plants and form small groupings. Dwarf flax lily is well adapted to Inland Empire gardens where it does best in full to part shade, in loam soils and with regular moisture. However, it has proven to be adaptable to heat, cold, sun and short periods of drought once established. Dwarf flax lily is a good choice for background plantings, borders, on banks and in containers.
