Dianella revoluta ‘Little Rev’ – Black-anther Flax-lily

Dianella revoluta ‘Little Rev’ – Black-anther Flax-lily

Habit and Habitat:
Dianella revoluta is a hardy, tuft-forming perennial native to southeastern Australia. It occurs naturally in open woodlands, grassy forests, coastal scrub and rocky slopes, often in well-drained soils. The cultivar ‘Little Rev’ is a compact selection, retaining the toughness of the species while forming a neat, low-growing clump well suited to garden use.

Place in Local Habitat and Ecosystem Distribution:
In the wild, Dianella revoluta is a common understorey species across Victoria, Tasmania, southern New South Wales and South Australia. It stabilises soil, persists through drought and fire, and contributes to the grassy and shrubby layers of many ecosystems. Its flowers and fruit support insects and birds, particularly in fragmented or regenerating landscapes.

Planting Companions:
‘Little Rev’ combines well with other small to medium native understorey plants such as Themeda triandra, Poa labillardieri, Lomandra filiformis, Chrysocephalum apiculatum, Correa reflexa and low-growing Acacia species. These pairings reflect natural plant communities and suit both formal and informal native gardens.

Human and Wildlife Uses:
The blue to purple berries are eaten by birds, while the flowers attract native bees and other pollinators. Historically, Dianella species were important to Indigenous Australians, with fibres from the leaves used for weaving and tying, and berries sometimes eaten in small quantities. Today, ‘Little Rev’ is valued as a low-maintenance ornamental and ground-layer plant.

Care Instructions:
Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil. ‘Little Rev’ is drought-tolerant once established and responds well to occasional deep watering during extended dry periods. Remove spent flower stems and old leaves as needed to maintain a tidy form. It tolerates light frost, coastal exposure and periodic dryness.

Size, Height, Width, Flower, and Leaf Characteristics:
This compact cultivar typically grows to 30–40 cm high and 40–60 cm wide. Leaves are narrow, strap-like and blue-green, often with a slight twist. Small star-shaped flowers appear in spring to early summer, usually pale blue to violet with distinctive yellow anthers, followed by glossy blue-purple berries.

Latin Etymology:
The genus name Dianella honours Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, reflecting the plant’s graceful, strappy foliage. The species name revoluta refers to the leaf margins, which are often rolled under.

Traditional Uses:
Indigenous communities used Dianella leaves for strong fibres in nets, cords and baskets. Berries were eaten sparingly, and the plant was a familiar and useful component of grassy woodland landscapes.

Planting Guidelines:
To plant ‘Little Rev’ in the home garden, choose a sunny or lightly shaded position with good drainage. Space plants to allow clumps to expand naturally. Ideal for edging, mass planting, understorey layers or erosion control, this compact flax-lily offers year-round structure, seasonal colour and reliable performance in a wide range of conditions.