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Phormium tenax 'Atropurpureum'

New Zealand Flax, Purple

Plant photo of: Phormium tenax 'Atropurpureum'
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Information by: The Plant Nerd Inc.        Photographer:

 

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

Water Saving Tip:

Water between sunset and sunrise when temperatures and wind are the lowest.