Ashy Flax Lily Plant Care
Dianella caerulea var. cinerascens R.J.F.Hend.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Dianella caerulea var. cinerascens is a striking perennial plant known for its unique silver-grey foliage that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. Its compact growth habit and drought tolerance make it a popular choice for landscaping projects.
Every 7–10 days
Partial shade to full sun
50–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Ashy Flax Lily?
Water Ashy Flax Lily every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Ashy Flax Lily?
Ashy Flax Lily (Dianella caerulea var. cinerascens) belongs to the Asphodelaceae family within the Dianella genus. Ashy Flax Lily is native to Australia, New Zealand. Ashy Flax Lily is also known as Blue Flax Lily.
Ashy Flax Lily displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Ashy Flax Lily produces small blue or white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 18 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Ashy Flax Lily?
Dianella caerulea var. cinerascens requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Ashy Flax Lily Need?
Ashy Flax Lily thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ashy Flax Lily Prefer?
Dianella caerulea var. cinerascens grows best at temperatures of 50–85°F. Ashy Flax Lily prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Ashy Flax Lily?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Ashy Flax Lily to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ashy Flax Lily?
Feed Ashy Flax Lily every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Ashy Flax Lily?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Ashy Flax Lily?
Ashy Flax Lily can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to blueberry lily plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Ashy Flax Lily Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Ashy Flax Lily, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Ashy Flax Lily?
Ashy Flax Lily is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Ashy Flax Lily Need?
Ashy Flax Lily grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8b. Ashy Flax Lily is native to Australia, New Zealand.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Ashy Flax Lily is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Dianella genus — compare its care with other Dianella species on PlantoScan.
Dianella is part of the Asphodelaceae plant family — browse all Asphodelaceae genera and species.
Ashy Flax Lily thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Dianella Species
Other Dianella species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Dianella caerulea var. cinerascens R.J.F.Hend., family Asphodelaceae (first published in Fl. Australia 45: 477 (1987)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Ashy Flax Lily, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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