New Zealand Flax

(Phormium tenax)

New Zealand Flax (Phormium tenax)

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Summary

Phormium tenax, commonly known as New Zealand Flax, is an evergreen perennial subshrub or herb native to New Zealand, where it is found in a variety of habitats including coastal areas, swamps, and riverbanks, as well as dry, rocky places. It typically grows to a height of 1-6 feet (0.3-1.8 meters) and a width of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters). This plant features bold clumps of long, sword-shaped leaves that can reach up to two meters in length and are often dark green but can also have bronze, purple, or variegated coloration. During the summer, it sends up a dramatic flowering stalk that bears tubular flowers in shades of yellow or red, which are attractive to birds.

New Zealand Flax is valued for its architectural form and is often used in modern garden design, providing structure and contrast to softer plant forms. It is suitable for urban planting, border planting, and as a focal point in mixed beds. It is also used for erosion control on slopes. The plant prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soil, although it can tolerate a range of soil types. It is relatively low maintenance but benefits from occasional watering during dry periods. While it is generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to Phormium mealybug and leaf spot. In regions where it is not native, it can become invasive, so gardeners should be cautious and check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb, Shrub
  • Height: 1-6 feet
  • Width: 1-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Red, Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Coastal areas, swamps, riverbanks, and dry, rocky places in New Zealand

Other Names

Common Names: New Zealand Flax , New Zealand-Hemp , Harakeke , Lino De Nueva Zelanda , Lirio De Espada , Nyzeeländskt Lin , Korari

Scientific Names: Phormium tenax , Phormium atropurpureum , Phormium tenax var. variegatum , Chlamydia tenacissima , Lachenalia ramosa , Phormium flavovirens , Phormium nigropictum , Phormium ramosum , Phormium tenax f. atropurpureum , Phormium tenax subsp. variegatum

GBIF Accepted Name: Phormium tenax J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.