Phormium Amazing Red (New Zealand Flax)

Ideal for small gardens, Phormium ‘Amazing Red’ is a compact variety of New Zealand Flax with upright, narrow, sword-like, dark reddish-brown leaves. Robust, this evergreen perennial is topped in summer with a dramatic flowering stalk bearing panicles of tubular, red flowers which attract nectar-seeking birds.

Ideal for small gardens, Phormium 'Amazing Red' is a compact variety of New Zealand Flax with upright, narrow, sword-like, dark reddish-brown leaves. Robust, this evergreen perennial is topped in summer with a dramatic flowering stalk bearing panicles of tubular, red flowers which attract nectar-seeking birds. Native to New Zealand, this Phormium is primarily grown for its attractive foliage and makes a stunning focal point in the garden, specifically when combined with and amongst brightly colored plants. Ideal for containers or massed in beds to create a dramatic textural effect!

  • Grows up to 18-24 in. high and wide (45-60 cm).
  • Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerates a wide range of soils, including poor soils and even a strong shade. Salt and drought tolerant but looks best with occasional to regular irrigation.
  • Deer and rabbit resistant
  • Great for beds and borders, city gardens, coastal gardens, gravel gardens or Mediterranean gardens. Excellent as container plant!
  • Virtually disease free. Watch for mealybug
  • Propagate by seed sown in spring or by division in spring
  • Remove dead or damaged leaves in the spring

Requirements

Hardiness 9
– 11

Heat Zones 2
– 12

Climate Zones 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Phormium – Flaxes
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 24″ (60cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Salt
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden