Phormium 'Rainbow River' New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax) FORM-ee-um TEN-aks Genus:  Phormium An excellent architectural specimen, New Zealand flax has a striking geometric shape and intriguingly colored foliage. Rigid, upright leaves to 10 feet long grow in a clump. Cultivars come in chocolate-brown or a mixture of cream, pink, and green stripes. In summer, this Phormium produces a 12-foot-tall spike of tubular red flowers. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Stunning focal point for the border, near buildings, or at lawn's edge. Care:  Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Grow in a container for summer display where not hardy. Propagation:  Divide in spring. Problems:  Leaf spots sometimes occur.

Overview

Height 10 ft. to 15 ft. Spread 3 ft. to 6 ft. Characteristics Showy Foliage Bloom Time Summer Flower Color Red Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage Uses Beds and Borders, Specimen Plant/Focal Point Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Type Perennials