Description

General aspect and origins - Phormium tenax, also known as New Zealand flax, is native to New Zealand as its common name suggests. It can grow up to 10 ft tall and wide. Depending on the varieties, its long narrow leaves can be uniformly green or variegated. In late spring, flowers stalks appear. They bear orange-red to dark purple flowers.
Leaves - The New Zealand flax has long and narrow evergreen leaves, that can be uniformly green, or with pink or cream stripes.
Flowers - Inflorescences appear in late spring. They can be up to 15 ft (4,5 m) tall. They bear orange-red to purple-black flowers.

Culture

The New Zealand flax can thrive in wet or dry grounds and hot or windy situations, provided the ground is drained enough. It can withstand negative temperatures down to about 15°F, and can be grown in USDA zones 8 and warmer.
Soil - This Phormium prefers a well-drained ground. Once established, it can withstand occasional droughts.

Propagation

The New Zealand flax can be propagated by seeds or by division of the mother plant.