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Photo by Kenpei

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Phormium tenax

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 6'-7'
W: 10'

planting zones

8b-11

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Phormium tenax plant details

Phormium tenax is a fast-growing broadleaf evergreen perennial with green foliage. In spring and summer red flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun - bright shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Phormium tenax

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: asphodelaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 10 FT wide, 6 FT - 7 FT - tall
Flowers: red blooms in spring and summer
Uses: showy

GROWING CONDITIONS for Phormium tenax

USDA Zones: 8b - 11
Sun exposure: sun - bright shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Unlike most members of the Agave family, "New Zealand Flax" grows in swamps and even standing water in the cool climate of New Zealand! It makes a dramatic clump of swords (and who doesn't like swords?) to as high as 11'. It has been found to be hardy to the single digits °F in North Carolina. Grow some from seed and plant a whole hedge of them! Now that would be cool. Seed from Seattle. CS.

By: The Desert Northwest

Very large New Zealand Flax.

By: Thompson's Nursery

Lake Te Anu, NZ. This South Island collection from some elevation -- the parents in standing water for part of the year -- has proven to be a very good garden specimen in the only two years we have had it in the ground. Upright, to 6-7', with rather wide leaves of olive-green, ever-so-slightly burgundy tinted. We expect these to be a bit hardier to frost than some, to 15 °F, mid-USDA Zone 8, at least. Otherwise, bright light, summer water to establish, and mulch for winter protection in colder climates.