Dianella nigra

Common Names: Turutu, New Zealand Blueberry Lily, Inkberry Lily

Overview

Dianella nigra is a hardy, evergreen New Zealand native that combines graceful, flax-like foliage with striking blue-purple berries that provide long-lasting seasonal interest. Found naturally in forests and forest margins throughout much of New Zealand, Turutu forms attractive clumps of glossy, dark green leaves and is valued for its adaptability, low maintenance, and year-round structure. During spring and early summer, delicate pale blue to violet flowers appear above the foliage before developing into vibrant metallic-blue berries that contrast beautifully against the rich green leaves.

An excellent choice for native gardens, woodland plantings, borders, mass planting, and containers, Dianella nigra is equally at home in formal or naturalistic landscapes.

Features

• Attractive evergreen clumping foliage

• Delicate blue-violet flowers in spring to early summer

• Brilliant metallic blue berries through summer and autumn

• Hardy and easy to grow

• Excellent for woodland and shaded gardens

• Great for mass planting, edging and underplanting

• Provides food for native birds

Growing Conditions

Light: Full sun to full shade (best with some shelter in hot, exposed sites)

Soil: Moist, well-drained soil, though tolerant of a wide range of soil types once established.

Water: Water regularly while establishing. Drought tolerant once established, although occasional watering during prolonged dry periods will maintain its best appearance.

Mature Size

Height: 40–70cm

Width: 40–60cm

Uses

• Woodland gardens

• Native gardens

• Underplanting beneath trees

• Borders and edging

• Mass planting

• Container planting

• Banks and slopes

• Rain gardens with good drainage

Why You'll Love It

Dianella nigra offers an outstanding combination of elegant foliage, delicate flowers and vivid blue berries, bringing interest through every season. Its versatility, toughness and ability to thrive in both sun and shade make it one of New Zealand's most dependable native landscape plants.

Pot Size:

These are our standard size in 7cm square pots.