New Zealand Flax (Phormium tenax)

New Zealand Flax

Phormium tenax is an excellent architectural specimen with striking geometric shape and intriguingly colored foliage. Rigid, upright leaves to 10 feet long grow in a clump. Cultivars come in chocolate‑brown or mixtures of cream, pink, and green stripes. In summer, a 12‑foot‑tall spike of tubular red flowers appears.

Key Features

• Architectural, geometric form with colorful foliage.
• Tall red flower spike in summer.
• Stunning focal point for borders, near buildings, lawn edges.

Growing Conditions

Fertile, moist but well‑drained soil. Grow in container for summer display where not hardy.

Care & Propagation

Divide in spring. Problems: leaf spots sometimes occur.

Landscape Uses

Beds, borders, specimen plant.

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