Phormium tenax

Botanical name: Phormium tenax
Family: Agavaceae ~ agave
Common name: New Zealand Flax
Lab number: 1
Sunset page: 502
EBMUD page:

Plant info

Etymology:
Related species/genera:
Origin & Habitat:

Appearance and attributes

Size and growth rate

H:9'
W:5'
Average

Plant type

Perennial shrub

Plant form

Upright fan

Texture

Coarse

Noteworthy characteristics

Foliage, form/silhouette

Leaf

Bronzy green leaves, rigid and upright, curving mainly near tips (if at all). 

Flower

Branched clusters of tubular flower appear late spring or early summer rising to twice the height of the foliage clump.

Cultural Issues and Care

Exposure

Coastal and/or Inland: full sun, filtered sun, part sun

Water

Little to regular water until established (2 yrs)

Soil preferences

Well-drained

Fertilizer

--

Cultural tolerances

Drought, heat, salt spray, seacoast

Cultural challenges

Crown rot in clay

Propogation

--

Pest & diseases

--

Pruning

None required

Sunset zones

7-9, 14-24

Hardiness

H1, H2

Landscape uses

Landscape uses

accent, background, containers, rock garden, screen, seacoast, shrub/plant mass, windbreak

Companion plants

Effect

Reference pages

ACSC:
CNP:
DNG:
FSC:
HMP:
MC:
PCRR:

Cultivars