Have you ever heard of Dianella? Do you know what kind of plant it is? And if you can have it in the garden?
Next we will talk about one of the plants that serves to decorate the garden in a very striking way. You want to know more?
how is dianella
Fuente: PicturesThis
The first thing you should know about Dianella is that It is a plant that has about 40 different varieties. Not all of them are known, only some, but those that are quite appreciated for the color that they have between their leaves, stem and, above all, their flowers.
It is native to New Zealand, Tasmania, but can now be found virtually all over the world.
In general, Dianella leaves are the most characteristic of the plant. These are quite long and narrow. Similar to tape or phormium, but they are totally different. The leaves it has are somewhat toothed and in terms of color they can be in various shades of green, but there is a variegated version (which is obviously the most appreciated and decorative) with a green stripe and white edges.
The flowers, meanwhile, are blue. (which in itself makes them very appreciated). These have three petals and three sepals and the hue combines well with the green of the leaves and the stem, as well as the yellow of the stamens.
After flowering, these flowers give rise to some berries, also blue or purple, where there is a pulp inside that protects the seeds.
Best-known Dianella species
As we have told you before, the Dianella has about 40 different species. Most of them retain the general characteristics of this plant, but some stand out.
In general, all of them are not known, nor are they usually kept in a garden, but the ones that are usually used to decorate them are the following:
- dianella tasmatica, with very long leaves and stars as if they were ribbons. They curve inwards and are green in color with some yellow or white stripes.
- Dianella caerulea, with long leaves but not green but more of a bluish hue. The flowers are usually more purple than blue.
- Dianella rolled over. It is characterized by having green and long leaves, yes, but they are more fleshy than with other Dianellas. In addition, the flowers it gives, although blue, are very similar to those of lilies.
Dianella care
Fuente: Pl@ntnet
If after learning about this plant you have decided that you have a place in your garden to have one, you should know that it is not difficult to find in nurseries and garden stores. It is not relatively expensive either, but for less than 10 euros you can get it (of course, everything will depend on the species you are looking for).
However, although the plant is low-maintenance and you don’t have to worry much about it, the truth is that you should be aware that basic care is complied with. And what are these? We discuss them below.
location and temperature
The Dianella is a very resistant outdoor plant. That implies that its best location will be outside the house, and if possible in full sun. Do you mean you can’t have it indoors? Actually yes. You see, this plant, although it can tolerate semi-shade, if this is for many hours, in the end it suffers and ends up losing its leaves and the plant dies. Therefore, when putting it in a place, it must be in full sun.
You can plant it in a pot or have it in the garden (either alone or with other plants of the same or similar species).
Regarding the temperature, as you will have seen He has no problem with the sun and the heat, It’s very tough. But what about the cold? Well, it’s the same, it’s resistant. However, if you live in an area where there is usually a lot of frequent frost, the best thing you can do is cover the plant because it can suffer.
Substratum
The best soil for Dianella is one that is very fertile and has good drainage.
For it, we recommend that you use a mixture with universal substrate, some organic matter or compost and a drainage such as gravel, silica sand, expanded clay or perlite so that it is oxygenated and there are no accumulations of water.
You should use this mixture in both options, that is, whether you plant it in a pot or in the garden.
Irrigation
Fuente: Pl@ntnet
With regard to watering, it is not demanding. In fact, it is quite resistant to drought, but that does not mean that you can forget to water it.
In winter this can happen, because with environmental humidity it can have more than enough. But in summer it is more advisable that you water it regularly, especially if you have it in full sun and it is very hard, making the temperatures very high. In this season, if possible, do not let the soil dry out completely.
You can also water the leaves to keep them fresh and clean. You will also ensure that they do not suffer from heat stress.
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Next to the irrigation water, and every two weeks during the spring and summer, you should add a little fertilizer. Use one of the 18-12-24 type with microelements that will give you more energy and above all a unique vitality and color.
pruning
Pruning has two phases. The first occurs during the summer, where you will have to cut the floral stems as they dry (because that way you will get it to bloom again). Also you must eliminate the damaged leaves or those that dry out.
The second phase occurs in autumn or winter, where the plant is cut back more so that it can regenerate and return to being just as strong in spring.
Multiplication
Regarding the propagation of Dianella, this can be by seeds (planting them), by cutting the plant (the so-called cuttings), or by dividing the bush.
Do you dare to have a Dianella in your garden? Did you know this plant?
