Consulta Plantas

Care of the plant Phormium tenax or New Zealand flax

The genus Phormium, family Asphodelaceae, includes only 2 species of perennials native to Norfolk Island and New Zealand. The species are: Phormium tenax and Phormium colensoi.

Common names: New Zealand flax, Common flax lily, New Zealand hemp or Flax bush. This species is native to New Zealand.

They are large perennial rhizomatous herbaceous plants of elegant bearing that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. The decorative leaves (up to 2 meters/6.56 feet in length) are leathery, sword-shaped and green, purple or variegated, depending on the variety. The flowers appear in long spikes above the leaves and are orange-red in color but are not very decorative. They bloom in summer.

They are used as isolated specimens, in small groups, next to ponds and in borders and beds. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens.

Phormium tenax needs full sun exposure and a warm-temperate climate; it can also grow in light shade. They resist light and occasional frosts.

They prefer well-drained soil with coarse sand and abundant organic matter.

Water regularly all year round so that the substrate never dries up completely; wait for the floor surface to dry. Overwatering can dry out the edges and tips.

Fertilize in autumn with compost or manure.

Prune wilted flower stems from the base.

They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases.

They are propagated by rhizome division in early spring.

Images of the plant Phormium tenax or New Zealand flax