Phormium tenax

Phormium tenax, commonly known as New Zealand Flax (N.Z. flax), is an evergreen perennial foliage plant.  Originally grown as an important fiber plant in the textile industry, N.Z. flax is now found as an ornamental focal piece in many lawns and gardens.  Offering varieties of bronze, yellow, red, and pink,  the N.Z. flax grows in long bundled fans, with thin sword-shaped leaves.  When in bloom, vibrant red or yellow tubular flowers will adorn tall shoots that loom over the fans of foliage.  Fashioning similar charms to the magnetizing beauty of their blooms, N.Z. flax exude sweet nectar that entices and attracts hummingbirds. 


New Zealand flax flourishes in a moderately rich, well-draining soil, but will also tolerate nutrient-sparse soil.  If you plan to fertilize, make sure to only do so once per year.  Favoring a sunny spot with shelter from harsh winds, N.Z. flax handles blistering heat exceptionally.  If a particularly frigid winter causes some foliage to die, covering the plant in a layer of mulch should preserve warmth until new growth begins in the spring.  While the plant is immature, or if kept in a pot, make sure the soil does not dry out more than an inch deep.  N.Z. flax has low watering needs after its first growing season, so make sure to avoid watering while there is weekly rainfall, and allow the soil to dry out between watering.  Learn more in the Plant Story community!

3-6 hours of sun per day, with protection from intense mid-day sun

Water moderately, allowing the top 3cm to dry out between watering.

Phormium Tenax

Phormium tenax

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Ornamental

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