Phormium tenax - New Zealand Flax

The Phormium tenax, commonly known as New Zealand Flax or Harakeke, is a large clump-forming perennial from New Zealand, holding stiff, upright, sword-shaped leaves two to three metres tall in a fan from a woody base. Tall dark flower stems carry dull red tubular flowers well above the foliage in summer. It gives a hard vertical architectural line at a scale between a shrub and a small tree, and it takes coastal exposure, wind and wet ground. It is used in architectural mass planting, coastal schemes, large planters and civic landscapes. Specifications: Height: 1.5 to 3 metres, with flower stems to 4 metres Width: 1.5 to 2.5 metres Native to: New Zealand, in coastal, lowland and wetland habitats Foliage: Stiff, upright, sword-shaped leaves in dark green to bronze, held in a fan from a woody base; evergreen Growth rate: Moderate Conditions: Soil: Accepts a wide range including sandy, loamy, clay and seasonally wet soils; unusually tolerant of poor drainage Light: Full sun to partial shade Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established but fuller and better coloured with regular irrigation Climate: Thrives in temperate, Mediterranean, subtropical and coastal regions; foliage can scorch under extreme desert exposure Additional Features: Form: Strong upright fan of sword-shaped leaves, giving a hard architectural line without any pruning Flowers: Dull red tubular flowers on tall dark stems held well above the foliage in summer Uses: Architectural mass planting, coastal and waterfront schemes, large planters and podium beds, civic and campus landscapes Spacing: Plant 1.5 to 2 metres apart for a continuous architectural mass Low Maintenance: Remove spent flower stems and old outer leaves; divide congested clumps every few years Pest Resistance: Generally robust with few significant pest or disease problems Salt Tolerance: Good, growing naturally in exposed coastal positions in its native range Wind Tolerance: Very wind-firm, holding form in exposed coastal and elevated positions Cultural Significance: The traditional fibre plant of New Zealand, long used for weaving and cordage The New Zealand Flax gives a strong vertical line in a coastal or civic scheme and holds it without any maintenance.