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Phormium tenax (New Zealand flax)

Phormium tenax Phormium 'Rainbow River' Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais


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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Phormium tenax FORM-ee-um TEN-aks Common Name: New Zealand flax 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.
Height 10 ft. to 15 ft.
Spread 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Characteristics Showy Foliage
Bloom Time Summer
Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage
Flower Color Red Flower
Uses , Beds and Borders, Specimen Plant/ Focal Point
Seasonal Interest , Summer Interest
Type ,Perennials

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