How to grow blueberry lily
Overview
Blueberry lily is a clumping, strappy perennial grown for its fine foliage and blue-purple berries. It provides texture and movement in dry gardens and tolerates poor soils once established.
Varieties
- Dianella revoluta ‘Little Rev’ — Compact form, 30 cm tall, ideal for small gardens and pots.
- Dianella revoluta ‘Blueberry’ — Selected for heavy berry production and deep blue fruit.
Soil Preparation
Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0). Add coarse sand or gravel if drainage is poor. Enrich with compost or aged manure before planting.
Growing Guide
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun to part shade — avoid heavy clay. Space clumps 40–60 cm apart for mass planting. Water deeply but infrequently; established plants need only occasional summer drinks. Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Care
Feed in early spring with a slow-release native fertiliser (low phosphorus). Cut back old flower stems and ragged leaves in late winter to keep clumps tidy. No regular pruning needed.
Companion Planting
Pairs well with Lomandra longifolia, Poa labillardieri, and Grevillea ‘Poorinda Royal’. Avoid planting near moisture-loving ferns or in boggy spots.
Common Pests & Risks
Watch for scale insects on stems and leaf tips — treat with white oil or neem. Snails and slugs may chew new growth; use iron-based pellets. Fungal leaf spots in humid areas; improve air flow and avoid overhead watering.
Troubleshooting
Yellow leaves: overwatering or poor drainage — reduce water and check soil. Brown leaf tips: dry air or salt build-up — flush soil and increase humidity. Stunted growth: heavy clay or compacted soil — improve drainage with gypsum. Sparse flowering: too much shade — move to sunnier spot. Leaf spots: fungal in wet weather — space plants and avoid overhead watering.