Phormium tenax – New Zealand Flax –

Description

Phormium – New Zealand Flax – There are about 2 species of evergreen perennial in the Hemerocallidaceae family, in this genus. They occur in scrub and swamps, and on hillsides and riverbanks, in areas ranging from coasts to mountains in New Zealand. They from clumps of large, tough, sword like, keeled leaves, each folded into a “V” shape at the base, and ranging in color from Yellow green to dark green, with many fine stripes. Cultivars often have attractive, colorful or variegated foliage.   Abundant, small, tubular, 6 tepaled flowers are held in erect panicles on leafless stems in summer. In milder climates, they provide a focal point in a border, by a building, or at the edge of a lawn, and are ideal for coastal garden. Elsewhere, grow in containers for summer display. Grow in fertile, moist but well drained soil in full sun. Where marginally hardy, provide a deep, dry mulch in winter. Divide in spring. Prone to leaf spots. P. tenax – New Zealand Flax – This clump forming perennial from New Zealand grows 12′ feet tall and half as wide. It produces rigid, upright, linear leaves, to 10′ feet long, dark green above, blue green beneath. In summer it bears thick, red purple panicles to 12′ long, of tubular, dull red flowers, 2″ long. Zones 9-11