Phormium tenax All Black (New Zealand Flax)
Adding majesty to the garden year-round, Phormium tenax ‘All Black (New Zealand Flax) is a very ornamental and robust evergreen perennial featuring a basal rosette of dark chocolate, strap-shaped leaves up to 6 ft. in length (2 m).
Adding majesty to the garden year-round, Phormium tenax 'All Black (New Zealand Flax) is a very ornamental and robust evergreen perennial featuring a basal rosette of dark chocolate, strap-shaped leaves up to 6 ft. in length (2 m). The architectural and richly colored foliage is topped in summer with a dramatic flowering stalk bearing panicles of tubular, red flowers which attract nectar-seeking birds. Native to New Zealand, Phormium tenax is primarily grown for its attractive foliage and makes a stunning focal point in the garden. Most plants do not flower until they are fully mature.
- Adds architectural height to the garden and grows up to 5-6 ft. high (150-180 cm) and 4-5 ft. wide (120-150 cm).
- Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
- Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Salt and drought tolerant.
- 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 | 8 – 11 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 2 – 11 |
| 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 | 5' – 6' (150cm – 180cm) |
| Spread | 4' – 5' (120cm – 150cm) |
| Spacing | 60″ (150cm) |
| 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 |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |