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King Alfred TM - erosion control plant

Dianella caerulea 'JOHN 316' PBR

By Nathan Dutschke

This impressive new selection of Dianella caerulea that will grow to a height of 60-70cm with a width of 60-70 cm. King Alfred has a unique blue green coloured foliage that can handle both wet feet and dry conditions. King Alfred has dense, compact foliage and will flush with purple and yellow flowers up to 1m in height through mid spring followed by attractive purple berries.

Some of the benefits of King Alfred are that it has very short or no canes compared to the standard Dianella caerulea which has long canes and causes the plant to fall over when mature. King Alfred eliminates this problem. Underground rhizomes provide excellent erosion control as it spreads underground filling in gaps and out competing weeds. It has proved to strengthen the soil for surface erosion up to 752% compared to bare soil. It is able to tolerate prolonged (not permanent) periods of wet feet or long dry periods, making it ideal for depressed areas, as well as raised and flat areas. It is very drought tolerant and part of the no irrigation gardening range once it has been established. It is an excellent plant for along paths and roads as the plant will spread to the edge of the planting area.

The maintenance requirements of King Alfred are low, trimming is rarely required but if needed trim with a sharp implement to 15cm above the ground. A fertilizer is rarely needed, but if a darker colour is required it will respond well to a balanced 8-9 month slow release fertiliser for natives, preferably in spring or autumn. King Alfred is ideal for use as a specimen plant in the garden or for mass planting in all landscape applications.

For more information on this plant visit http://landscapegardeningplants.co.nz/king-alfred.html