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Phormium tenax

New Zealand Flax

Plant photo of: Phormium tenax
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Information by: The Plant Nerd Inc.        Photographer: Normans/Sortomme

 

Description

New Zealand Flax is a large, bold plant with stiffly vertical, sword-like, green leaves that arise from its base. It should be grown under full sun for best color. Varieties will offer different growth habits and leaf color.

Maintenance Tips

Phormium tenax is a perennial that grows as a clump with strap-like leaves. This is a very popular plant and has many different hybrids that are selected for their different foliage colors, sizes, and textures. When growing this species, there is a lot of genetic variety, so the size of the mature plant can range from 2' up to 8'. To keep the maintenance as low as possible, plant in a location that is full sun, and well-drained and give it the space it needs to reach maturity. These plants are often the victim of poor pruning habits, with gardeners cutting the leaves off in the middle or shearing them because they are too large for the space they have been given. If this is the case, they should be transplanted to a location where they can reach their full size, or other plants around them should be moved out of their way.

 

Plant Type

Shrub

Height Range

3-6', 6-12'

Flower Color

Red, Yellow

Flower Season

Summer

Leaf Color

Green, Dark Green, Grey Green, Variegated

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

Water

Low

Growth Rate

Fast

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Dry

Soil pH

Neutral

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish, Tropical

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Silhouette, Specimen

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Location Uses

Background, Foundation, Patio, Park, Parking Lot, Raised Planter, Roadside, Swimming Pool, Walls / Fences

Special Uses

Container, Cut Flowers, Erosion Control, Filler, Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting, Wind Break

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Water Saving Tip:

Group plants with similar watering needs in the same area.