Actual size and flowering may vary slightly based on season.
Variegated Flax Lily
Variegated Flax Lily forms a clump of strap-like green leaves edged in creamy white, and it stays evergreen year round. It grows best in part shade, so it brightens shady corners, the north side of a wall and the dry shade under trees. Blue flowers on slender stalks are followed by dark blue berries. Use it in borders, in groups or in a pot.
Best for: shady corners and north-side beds, dry shade under trees, borders and mass plantings, and pots in the shade.
The white-edged leaves brighten shady corners and beds on the north or east side of the house. It grows best in part shade and does well in dry shade.
Plant it in groups along a border or as a low mass under trees. Each clump spreads slowly by underground runners to about 2 to 3 feet.
It grows well in containers, so use it in a shaded patio pot for green and white leaves all year. Use a pot with a drainage hole.
Hot afternoon sun is hard on it in summer, and it needs extra water during long dry spells. Soil that stays wet can rot the roots.
- Closer planting15 in apart
- Border or mass planting18 in apart
Water it deeply and regularly through the first season so the roots spread. After that, water less often, and give it extra water during hot, dry spells.
It grows best in part shade and does well in dry shade under trees. In a hot summer climate, give it shade in the afternoon.
Cut off spent flower stalks, and pull old leaves as new ones come in. It spreads slowly by underground runners, so pull any that stray out of the bed.
Drainage test first. Dig the hole and fill it with water. If water is still sitting in the hole a day later, you likely hit caliche, clay or hard soil, so fix the drainage before planting. If it drains very fast, the soil is sandy. Standing water around roots is a common reason new plants fail.
Weed cloth. Cut it away from the planting hole and where the roots will spread. Remove any plastic sheeting completely, since it keeps water and air out of the soil.
Rock or decomposed granite with no soil underneath. Bring in soil close in texture to your native soil, mix it with the soil below, and build up enough depth for roots before planting.
If you can break through. Use a breaker bar, pick, or jackhammer. Dig through the caliche and break out the solid chunks. Backfill with the soil you dug out, with no compost or manure in the hole. Confirm drainage before planting.
If you cannot break through. Dig narrow holes through the hard layer beside the root ball, not under it, and refill them with the same soil, not gravel. If it still will not drain, plant on a low mound of the same soil.
Root ball. Check the outside edges for any roots circling around. Loosen or cut those so they grow outward. Do not break up the center of the root ball.
Depth. The top of the root ball should sit at or just slightly above the surrounding soil level. Planting too deep can lead to rot and kill the plant.
Drip emitters. At planting, put the emitters on the root ball, on different sides of the plant. After about 2 months, move them to the outer edge of the root ball. Over the first year, add emitters farther out toward the edge of the branches as roots grow. Once a plant is rooted, never water only at the trunk.
How big does variegated flax lily get?
Plan for a clump about 1.5 to 3 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. It spreads slowly by underground runners.
Does variegated flax lily grow in shade?
Yes. It grows best in part shade and does well in dry shade under trees. Give it afternoon shade in the heat of summer.
Can variegated flax lily take full sun in Phoenix?
It grows best in part shade, not full sun. In a hot summer climate, plant it where it gets shade in the afternoon.
How much water does variegated flax lily need?
Water it deeply and regularly the first season. After that, water less often, and give it extra water during hot, dry spells.
Does variegated flax lily flower?
Yes. Small blue flowers rise on slender stalks in spring and summer, followed by dark blue berries.
How do I trim variegated flax lily?
Cut off spent flower stalks, and pull old leaves as new ones grow in. That keeps the clump looking fresh.
Is variegated flax lily evergreen?
Yes. It keeps its green and white leaves all year in a mild winter.
How cold hardy is variegated flax lily?
It is rated to about 20 to 25°F. Pull any cold-damaged leaves in spring as new ones grow in.
Variegated flax lily vs Little Rev flax lily?
Variegated Flax Lily has green leaves edged in white and prefers part shade. Little Rev is a smaller flax lily with blue-green leaves. Choose Variegated for shady spots.
Variegated Flax Lily for sale in Arizona, delivered to you
Variegated Flax Lily is a clumping evergreen with green and white striped leaves. It grows best in part shade rather than full sun. Below you will find its size, light, water, trimming and how it compares with other flax lilies.
Sourced from trusted Arizona growers and delivered directly to your door, job site, or property. We deliver across the Valley and to nearby towns, and quote delivery anywhere else in Arizona.
Does variegated flax lily grow in Arizona?
Yes, in the right spot. It needs part shade and afternoon shade in summer, with regular water the first season and extra water in dry spells.
Best shade plants with white-striped leaves
Variegated Flax Lily has strap-like green leaves edged in creamy white. It grows best in part shade and brightens dark corners and the north side of a wall.
How big does Dianella tasmanica Variegata get?
It forms a clump about 1.5 to 3 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. It spreads slowly by underground runners.
How often to water flax lily
Water it regularly through the first season so it roots in. Once established, water less often, but give it extra water during hot, dry spells.
How to trim flax lily
Remove spent flower stalks and pull old leaves as new ones grow. Pull any runners that spread out of the bed.
Is variegated flax lily good in pots?
Yes. It grows well in containers. Use a pot with a drainage hole and keep it in part shade.
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