Erosion is an entropic force on our urban landscapes. Unchecked, it causes our most valuable resource, our topsoil, to slowly disappear day after day, year after year. For specifiers seeking robust, low-maintenance planting solutions to stop erosion in its tracks and begin building soil health, Dianella offers a proven combination of soil-stabilising performance and aesthetic appeal.
Breeze™ Dianella caerulea ‘DCNC0’ PVR
Tasred™ Dianella tasmanica ‘TR20’ PVR
Little Jess™ Dianella caerulea ‘DCMP01’
Little Rev™ Dianella revoluta ‘DR5000’ PVR
Why Choose Dianella?
Dianella is a hardy genus of strappy-leafed, clumping plants native to Australasia. In New Zealand, certain Ozbreed cultivars have been rigorously tested for erosion control, with impressive results. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/erosion-control-research/ Their fibrous, spreading root systems provide below-ground reinforcement, while dense foliage helps diffuse rainfall impact and suppress surface runoff. Their foliage also traps organic debris blown about by the wind, further building soil health beyond the carbon provided by the plants themselves.
Critically, these plants perform well in a variety of soil types—including sandy, loamy, and moderately heavy clays—and are often tolerant of both drought and frost once established. This resilience makes them particularly valuable in large-scale public plantings and hard-to-maintain sites.
Erosion Control Research
Independent testing conducted by Ozbreed measured Dianella’s ability to improve soil shear strength—a reliable indicator of a plant’s effectiveness in preventing erosion. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/erosion-control-research/
The following cultivars are available in New Zealand and have demonstrated excellent performance:
| Cultivar Name | Shear Strength Increase vs Bare Soil | Availability | Learn More |
| Breeze™ Dianella caerulea ‘DCNC0’ PVR | 297% | ✅ Yes | https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/breeze-dianella/ |
| Tasred™ Dianella tasmanica ‘TR20’ PVR | 250% | ✅ Yes | https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/tasred-dianella/ |
| Little Jess™ Dianella caerulea ‘DCMP01’ | 181% | ✅ Yes | https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/little-jess-dianella/ |
| Little Rev™ Dianella revoluta ‘DR5000’ PVR | 161% | ✅ Yes | https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/little-rev-dianella/ |
These figures indicate a significant improvement in soil cohesion, helping to bind soil particles together and prevent displacement during heavy rain or wind events.
Design Flexibility
Beyond their soil-stabilising functions, Dianella cultivars bring colour, form, and texture to a planting palette. Foliage ranges from deep green to blue-grey, with many forms offering seasonal flushes of purple-toned flowers and decorative blue berries. Compact varieties such as Little Jess™ Dianella are ideal for roadside verges and mass plantings, while the upright form of Little Rev™ Dianella adds architectural interest to urban projects.
Low Maintenance, Long-Term Results
Once established, high performing Dianella cultivars require little intervention—no regular pruning, irrigation, or fertiliser inputs. This makes them a cost-effective long-term solution for erosion control, especially in areas where ongoing maintenance access is limited or impractical such as roadside slopes.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re stabilising a roadside embankment, designing for stormwater resilience, or simply looking to future-proof your plantings, Dianella offers a tested and versatile solution. With multiple cultivars available in New Zealand and clear evidence of their erosion control performance, it’s time to ask:
Which Dianella will strengthen your next landscape project—both above and below the surface?