Phormium tenax 'Atropurpureum'
New Zealand Flax, Purple
Description
Phormium tenax 'Atropurpureum' is an evergreen perennial. Big, dramatic plant composed of many swordlike, stiffly vertical leaves can reach 5' tall. Leaves are purple red. Flowers stems reach high above leaves, bearing clusters of 1"-2" blossoms in dark red.
Maintenance Tips
Phormium tenax 'Atropurpureum' is one of the most popular hybrids of Flax. This variety matures at 4-6' tall and wide. The leaves are strap-shaped, and deep purple, tall flower stalks appear in the summer up to 10' tall. 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. Old leaves rarely fall off of the plant, so removing them as they age will help keep the plant looking and performing its best.
Plant Type
Shrub
Height Range
3-6'
Flower Color
Red
Flower Season
Summer
Leaf Color
Purple, Red
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full
Water
Medium
Growth Rate
Fast
Soil Type
Sandy, Loam, Rocky
Soil Condition
Poor, Well-drained, Dry
Soil pH
Neutral
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish, Tropical
Accenting Features
Specimen
Seasonal Interest
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Location Uses
Background, Perennial Border, Foundation, Patio, Park, Parking Lot, Raised Planter, Roadside, Swimming Pool, Walls / Fences
Special Uses
Container, Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Mulching and adding compost to soil can minimize evaporation and help soil absorb and store water.