A tall perennial grass, forming tufts to 1 m high. Arching, thin, leathery leaves 20–30 cm long with prominent veins running lengthways. Flowers are small and occur in pink or purple, bristly, upright spikes at the ends of bamboo-like canes. Fruit are small and dry with long, showy bristles.

There are 15 species of Dianella found across Australia. These hardy plants with fine strap-like leaves to 0.6 m high have blue, purple or white star-shaped flowers which appear in spring and summer. Flowers are followed by decorative blue berries containing shiny black seeds. Ask your local garden centre for advice about the best Dianellas for your garden.

A small tufted clumping plant with narrow strap-like green leaves to 60 cm. A yellow flower spike appears from the leaf base in the early growing season and persists for many weeks. This species is extremely hardy and is tolerant of climatic extremes and most soil conditions. Ideal in mass plantings, this species grows well in full-sun and moderate to heavy shaded positions. Once established, this species can survive long periods without irrigation.

This sterile hybrid is a showy and popular ornamental perennial grass. It grows rapidly in dense clumps of burgundy coloured foliage up to 1.5 m high with arching purple-pink flower plumes in summer. The blooms are foxtail-like, are displayed above the foliage and produced in warm weather. A very hardy grass species that can tolerate periods of drought and light frosts.