Phormium tenax 'Guardsman'

Also Known As

Guardsman New Zealand Flax

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 8'-10'
W: 6'

planting zones

8b-10b

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Phormium tenax 'Guardsman' plant details

Phormium tenax 'Guardsman' is a broadleaf evergreen perennial with burgundy, pink, red and variegated foliage. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, gritty and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Phormium tenax 'Guardsman'

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: asphodelaceae
Foliage: evergreen burgundy, pink, red and variegated
Mature size: 6 FT wide, 8 FT - 10 FT - tall
Uses: container plant, rock garden, tropical-looking, year-round-interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Phormium tenax 'Guardsman'

USDA Zones: 8b - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular

Soil needs: average, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Very limited. I have looked for this plant for 30 years. I would see them in wholesale nurseries but they were building stock. This fabulous phormium is large 6’-8’ and has red and purple foliage. Perhaps the most striking of all the phormiums.

By: Gossler Farms

The king of the flax, this giant grows to 8-10' or more with large, excruciatingly slowly offsetting fans of wide, saturated red-pink, coral, and deep maroon-green. Certainly one of the most striking in color and, as Murphy's Law would have it, the slowest to divide. This year, we finally have a few large divisions (and have decided not to have people sign adoption papers). Same hardiness and growing conditions as the others. Bright light is good; afternoon dappled shade in hot climates for best color. Divide when pot bound and protect below mid to upper teens (you'll need a ladder.)