The flax lily has a lot of different colors and looks to choose from for this pretty perennial.
Flax lily offers many different options offoliage textures and colors.
Other varieties boast stunning burgundy-blue foliage with a gray cast.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Several species have ornamental berries as well.
The berries are bright blue and found in clusters hanging above the foliage.
Hardy in Zones 8-11, flax lily is a warm-weather plant that also grows well indoors.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Overall, plant growth is much slower when planted in full shade.
Grow it as a houseplant in cooler zones.
This ornamental grass-like foliage plant is suitable for mass plantings near or under trees and at home entryways.
Credit: Justin Hancock
How and When to Plant Flax Lily
Flax lily should be planted in spring or fall.
It’s best to plant from rhizomes, because it doesn’t grow well from seeds.
Flax Lily Care Tips
Flax lilies are extremely easy to grow and require little maintenance.
Credit: James Carriere
Light
These plants are tolerant of varying amounts of light.
To encourage the most vigorous growth, plant in full sun to part shade.
The hotter your area, the more shade flax lily thrives in.
Soil and Water
This plant doesn’t tolerate standing waterand likes well-drained soil.
It’s quick to rot if planted in soggy conditions.
Droopy, brown plants are getting too much water.
It can handle temperatures down to 65oF to 70oF indoors, but it won’t flower in that environment.
However, the plant is winter hardy even when winter temperatures dip to 20oF andwill continue to regrow yearly.
Fertilizer
Fertilize each spring with a product suited for acidic-soil plants, following product instructions.
Cover around the plants (without touching the base) with compost and water thoroughly.
Pruning
In tropical areas, this hardy plant’s leaves are semi-evergreen to evergreen.
The evergreen foliage is often held for long periods and will require the removal of older, yellow leaves.
It will do well in the right container with good potting soil.
Divide and replant in similar-sized containers for more plants.
Neem oil may help to control it, but armored scale may need more powerful treatment.
How to Propagate Flax Lily
Propagate flax lily from what grows in the garden.
Plant these into the garden immediately at the same depth as the original plant and water well.
It also loves plenty of fertilizer, so be generous.
Plant annual begonias in spring after all danger of frost has passed.
No need to deadhead this flower unless you want to; it’s self-cleaning.
Zones 7-11
Acanthus
Bear’s breechesis like a living sculpture in the garden.
It offers sturdy spires of white or pink blooms with papery purple bracts and rich-green, spiny-looking foliage.
The plants tolerate poor, dry soil once established but need regular moisture to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
No.
Yes, it’s fast-growing, reaching 18 to 24 inches tall and 3 feet wide within 90 days.
