Lucia™ Dianella

Lucia Dianella (Dianella caerulea 'DC101') is a low, spreading dianella bred by Ozbreed, which rates it the best spreading form for roadsides and median strips. It grows 300mm to 400mm high and about 500mm wide in deep green foliage, with mulberry buds in spring that open to purple flowers held high above the leaves, followed by purple berries in summer.

Why you'll love it

• Spreads to cover ground. Multiple rhizome shoots give excellent coverage and quick recovery from damage.
• Low cost cover. At four to six plants per square metre it is an economical way to plant a large area.
• Flowers and berries. Purple flowers stand above the foliage in spring and purple berries follow in summer.
• Tough in cold and drought. It tolerates drought and handles frosts down to minus 7 degrees with only minor leaf burn.
• Coastal or inland. It grows well in both, across most of the country.

Where it works best

Mass planting and groundcover. Plant 45cm apart, about five plants per square metre, and the clumps spread into a continuous cover. A pack of 10 covers roughly two square metres.

Roadsides and median strips. This is the use Lucia was selected for. Plant two to three per linear metre in staggered rows and let the rhizomes close the gaps.

Borders. A single row 40cm apart makes a neat green edge along a path, drive or garden bed.

Growing Lucia Dianella in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. Ozbreed lists it for Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia, so it suits subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens. In very cold climates the foliage may discolour in winter.

Soil. Sandy loam to clay. Avoid very poor soils. Plant into a well mulched bed, using chunky mulch if you can, and keep the crown of each plant at or above soil and mulch level, since a buried crown invites rot.

Water and feed. Water as needed for 8 to 13 weeks until established, then it fends for itself. A slow release fertiliser in spring is optional.

Pruning. If required, cut back to half height every four to eight years. It looks best with a cut about every four years, depending on how tidy you like it.

What to expect when it arrives

We list Lucia Dianella as tube stock and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes suit large areas where cost matters, and the potted packs give a faster start. Dianella travels well; expect a short pause after planting, then new growth as the soil warms. Stock comes from Ozbreed's licensed growers and is not always available, so a size shows as sold out when no grower has it. The notify button on this page emails you the day it is back.

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

• Our dianella care guide
• Browse the full dianella range
• See the full Ozbreed range
• Plants for mass planting

Common questions

How many plants do I need?

Allow four to six per square metre. At 45cm spacing, a pack of 10 covers about two square metres.

Will frost damage it?

It handles frosts down to minus 7 degrees with minor leaf burn. In very cold climates the foliage may discolour in winter.

How often should I cut it back?

Only if it needs it. Cutting to half height every four to eight years renews the clump, and every four years gives the best result.