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New Zealand Flax

New Zealand Flax

Phormium tenax

perennial☀️ full sun💧💧 moderate waterZone 9aZone 11b

A striking evergreen perennial with long, sword-like leaves in green, bronze, or variegated colors that form an architectural clump. It produces tall spikes of tubular flowers in red, yellow, or orange and adds dramatic texture and year-round interest to gardens.

Overview

Form
Upright
Growth Rate
moderate
Size
3–10′ tall × 2–6′ wide
Dormancy
evergreen

Tolerances & Soil

Zone 9aZone 11b
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 9a to Zone 11b

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SpringSummerFallWinter

Shrub

Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.

Succession Role

pioneerearly successional

Native Range

New Zealand

Function & Care

fiberwindbreakwildlife benefiterosion controlhedgerow

Establishment & Care

Establishment
easy
Maintenance
low
Propagation
seed, division

Notable Cultivars

Jester features pink-and-green striped leaves for ornamental impact; Sundowner displays bronze foliage with pink edges. Many compact dwarf cultivars are available for smaller spaces, while species forms reach full height and are ideal for bold architectural statements.