Dianella revoluta Coolvista

Dianella revoluta 'Coolvista' is a sculptural perennial from Oceania, with evergreen leaves forming an upright, beautiful grey-blue tuft. In early summer, it produces graceful spikes of small blue flowers with yellow centres. Not very hardy, it is best suited for very mild climates, such as coastal areas, in a contemporary-inspired garden. It requires acidic and well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade, and can withstand episodes of drought. 

Dianella revoluta is a species native to the south coast of Australia and the island of Tasmania. It can be found in clearings and open woodlands, on soft, moist, and acidic, often sandy, soils. Dianellas have often been moved to various botanical families as scientific research progressed. Nowadays, it is considered to be part of the Asphodelaceae family, along with phormiums, aloes, desert candles (Eremurus), and asphodels. The plant forms a clump of "sword-like", stiff and evergreen leaves and very graceful, branched spikes bearing numerous small blue-violet flowers with golden stamens between June and August. In favourable climates, this is followed by small round, bright violet fruits which are extremely decorative and long-lasting. The clumps slowly but steadily expand through short rhizomes that increase their diameter over the years.

The 'Coolvista' variety is characterized by its magnificent, eye-catching grey-blue foliage and good vigour. It will reach about 60 cm (24in) high and 40 cm (16in) wide. 

Due to its origins, the 'Coolvista' Dianella is not very hardy: it can withstand light frost, but not below -5°C/-7°C (23/-19.4°F). It needs a location protected from cold winds, in a region that does not experience severe frost. This species prefers acidic soils (lime is harmful to it), moist to wet, in full sun or partial shade. It must have perfectly well-drained soil to avoid rotting of the dense and shallow-rooted crown. Once well established, the crowns withstand summer drought well and are easy to grow.

With its obvious Australian look, the 'Coolvista' Dianella will make a sensation if planted in multiple specimens in a contemporary flower bed, for example alongside its cousins the phormiums - see among others the varieties 'Evening Glow' or 'Purpureum'. For the same reason, it is also very interesting as a standalone plant, or a large pot, on a terrace with dark paving stones.