Emerald Arch® Dianella

Emerald Arch Dianella (Dianella tasmanica 'Emerald Arch') is a flax lily with broad, arching, deep green leaves that give a lush, almost tropical look to gardens too cold for tropical plants. It grows about 55cm high and 50cm wide, takes frost and drought, and copes with light to heavy shade. Blue and yellow flowers appear from September to November. It is an Ozbreed line.

Why you'll love it

• A tropical look that is cold hardy. The broad, arching leaves feel like a rainforest plant, yet Ozbreed rates it extremely cold hardy.
• Deep green for most of the year. The foliage holds its rich green through the seasons, so it anchors a bed in every month.
• Happy in shade. It grows from full sun to heavy shade, a range few flowering plants can match.
• Low water once settled. It tolerates drought, which makes it a sound choice for low water gardens.
• Spring flowers. Blue and yellow flowers rise through the foliage from September to November.

Where it works best

Mass planting. Plant 45cm apart, about five plants per square metre. The arching leaves meet and cover the ground, which keeps weeds down under trees and along shaded fences.

Specimen planting. A single clump beside steps, a gate or a water feature shows the arch of the leaves to best effect.

Low water and shady gardens. Established plants manage with little water, including in the shade beside buildings where lawn and other perennials struggle.

Growing Emerald Arch Dianella in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to heavy shade. Ozbreed lists it for New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia, and it suits cool and temperate climates better than hot ones. From Sydney north give it light to heavy shade only; near the coast it can take full sun.

Soil. Well drained soils through to clay soils suit it. Avoid very poor soils. Keep the crown or base of the plant above the soil, never below, and spread a chunky mulch around it.

Water and feed. Water as required for 8 to 13 weeks until it is established, then it needs little. A slow release fertiliser in spring is enough.

Pruning. Trim older leaves as required. Cut the clump back by half every 3 to 7 years; every 3 years keeps it looking its best, though how often depends on how tidy you want it.

What to expect when it arrives

Emerald Arch Dianella is sold as tube stock and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tube stock is the economical choice for a large planting, while the potted packs give a fuller look sooner. Stock comes from Ozbreed's licensed growers and is not always available. A size shows as sold out when no grower has it, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back. Plants travel well and settle within weeks in warm soil.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• The Dianella care guide
• Browse all dianella plants
• See the full Ozbreed range
• More drought tolerant plants

Common questions

Will it grow in dry shade?

Yes. Shade and drought both suit it once established, though it needs regular water for the first 8 to 13 weeks.

Can it take full sun?

Yes, in the southern states. From Sydney north it wants light to heavy shade, unless it is planted near the coast.

Is it safe around pets?

We do not list it as pet friendly. The flowers are followed by berries that should not be eaten, so plant it where dogs will not chew it.