Phormium tenax Purpureum Group (New Zealand Flax)
Adding majesty to the garden year-round, Phormium tenax Purpureum Group (New Zealand Flax) is a very ornamental and robust evergreen perennial featuring a basal rosette of dark purple, strap-shaped leaves up to 6 ft. in length (2 m), that gracefully arch over toward the tips.
Adding majesty to the garden year-round, Phormium tenax Purpureum Group (New Zealand Flax) is a very ornamental and robust evergreen perennial featuring a basal rosette of dark purple, strap-shaped leaves up to 6 ft. in length (2 m), that gracefully arch over toward the tips. The architectural and richly colored foliage is topped in summer with a dramatic flowering stalk, up to 10 ft. high (3 m), 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 4-6 ft. high and wide (120-180 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 | 7 – 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 | 4' – 6' (120cm – 180cm) |
Spread | 4' – 6' (120cm – 180cm) |
Spacing | 72″ (180cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, 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 |