As we mentioned in the previous post about the plants in Parc de les Glòries, in this article we will discuss the genus Dianella, medium-sized plants with linear leaves, from the Xanthorrhoeaceae family and native to Australia.
\*Dianella caerulea\*\*\ 'Cassa Blue'\\*® is a perennial plant that reaches about 40/60 centimeters in height by 30/40 centimeters in width. Its growth is compact with elongated bluish-green leaves that are very decorative and with very abundant flowering, which occurs between May and August, displaying panicles of small violet-blue flowers with yellow stamens.
'Cassa Blue' offers high hardiness and an ideal growth form for the design of public areas, such as roadsides, low flower beds, dividing walls, etc. Its bluish coloration contrasts in any garden or urban landscape.
Image of Dianella careulea 'Cassa Blue' ; Source: foliagefirst.bestplants.com.au
It is a slow-growing species, and annual pruning and fertilization is recommended to promote the appearance of new leaves and maintain its decorative potential.
It can grow in well-drained arid soils being tolerant to salinity and sea breeze, so we can plant it in gardens or public spaces near the sea.
It belongs to hardiness zone 9, with an average minimum annual temperature range of -6.6 / -1.2°C, showing resistance to Mediterranean climate frosts.
It is a very hardy plant, as it has very low water requirements. It only requires support watering during the 8-10 weeks after planting; once well rooted it requires no irrigation (except those planted in pots). It is interesting to cover the soil with some type of mulch to retain soil moisture and prevent the appearance of unwanted weeds that may compete with it. It can also be planted in full sun, although it tolerates light shade.
Above all, avoid excess fertilizer and water in hot and humid climate zones.
\*Dianella revoluta\*\*\ 'Little Jess'\\*® is a resistant, compact perennial plant with very low maintenance. It normally measures 40 to 50 centimeters in height by 40/50 centimeters in width, but taller plants can be achieved with higher fertilization.
Compact growth with elongated green leaves and short flower stalks that stand above the foliage without falling on the leaves as occurs with other Dianella species, lilac in color, with yellow stamens. This beautiful and abundant flowering takes place during the months of April to June.
Image of Dianella revoluta 'Little Jess' ; Source: © Guillem Morral
'Little Jess' has underground rhizomes (a rhizome is an underground stem with several buds that grow horizontally emitting roots and herbaceous shoots from its nodes) that allow it to grow both in drought conditions and in wetter and colder areas. It is a species that offers high hardiness and an ideal growth form for creating low flower beds and linear plantings in both public and private landscaping. Especially recommended for controlling soil erosion on slopes and hillsides.
It requires very little maintenance; pruning can be delayed up to once every 7 to 8 years.
Image of Dianella revoluta 'Little Jess' ; Source: © Guillem Morral
It belongs to hardiness zone 9, with an average minimum annual temperature range of -6.6 / -1.2°C, showing resistance to Mediterranean climate frosts. It may show slight discoloration in cold climate areas.
Tolerant of all soil types, it resists salinity and sea breeze, so we can plant it in gardens or public spaces near the sea.
'Little Jess' grows well in full sun but is tolerant of light shade. Without a doubt a very versatile species for parks and gardens that we encourage you to try.
\*Dianella tasmanica '\*\*\Wyeena\'\® \\*is a perennial herbaceous plant, a variegated dianella variety with light green leaves in the center and white on the margins. It is the tallest Dianella you will find at Sala Graupera, as it measures 80/90 centimeters high by 80/90 centimeters wide. Its growth is compact, with arching leaves and without flowering.
It is a very good background plant for small shrubs and for the design of public areas, such as roadsides, low flower beds, dividing walls, etc. It is a Tasmanica variety very tolerant to cold and frost compared to other Dianellas. It belongs to hardiness zone 8, with an average minimum annual temperature range of -12.2 / -6.7°C.
Its location can be either in full sun or partial shade; it grows well in both clay and sandy soils, as long as they drain well.
Image of Dianella tasmanica 'Wyeena' ; Source: www.ozbreed.com
It is a very hardy plant, as it has very low water requirements. It only requires support watering during the 8-13 weeks after planting; once well rooted it requires no irrigation (except those planted in pots). It is interesting to cover the soil with some type of mulch to retain soil moisture and prevent the appearance of unwanted weeds that may compete with it.
As main care, it is only necessary to remove dry leaves and apply slow-release fertilizer in spring, every two or three years, if we want to have a plant at its maximum splendor.