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Phormium tenax ‘All Black’ (New Zealand Flax)

New Zealand Flax 'All Black', Phormium 'All Black'

Phormium tenax 'All Black', New Zealand flax 'All Black', Phormium 'All Black', Dark Phormium, Hardy Phormium, Bronze Phormium, Chocolate Phormium, Purple Phormium

Adding majesty to the garden year-round, Phormium tenax ‘All Black (New Zealand Flax) is a very ornamental and robust evergreen perennial featuring a basal rosette of dark chocolate, strap-shaped leaves up to 6 ft. in length (2 m). The architectural and richly colored foliage is topped in summer with a dramatic flowering stalk bearing panicles of tubular, red flowers which attract nectar-seeking birds. Native to New Zealand, Phormium tenax is primarily grown for its attractive foliage and makes a stunning focal point in the garden. Most plants do not flower until they are fully mature.

  • Adds architectural height to the garden and grows up to 5-6 ft. high (150-180 cm) and 4-5 ft. wide (120-150 cm).
  • Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Salt and drought tolerant.
  • Deer and rabbit resistant
  • Great for beds and borders, city gardens, coastal gardens, gravel gardens or Mediterranean gardens. Excellent as container plant!
  • Virtually disease free. Watch for mealybug
  • Propagate by seed sown in spring or by division in spring
  • Remove dead or damaged leaves in the spring

Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 11
Heat Zones 2 - 11
Climate Zones 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Xanthorrhoeaceae
Genus Phormium
Common names New Zealand Flax, Flax
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 5' - 6' (150cm - 180cm)
Spread 4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)
Spacing 60" (150cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Phormium tenax Purpureum Group (New Zealand Flax)
Phormium ‘Dark Delight’ (New Zealand Flax)
Phormium ‘Amazing Red’ (New Zealand Flax)
Phormium ‘Yellow Wave’ (New Zealand Flax)
Phormium ‘Platt’s Black’ (New Zealand Flax)
Phormium tenax (New Zealand Flax)

Recommended Companion Plants

Arctotis x hybrida ‘Flame’ (African Daisy)
Kniphofia ‘Percy’s Pride’ (Red Hot Poker)
Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’ (Japanese Blood Grass)
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ (Feather Reed Grass)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 11
Heat Zones 2 - 11
Climate Zones 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Xanthorrhoeaceae
Genus Phormium
Common names New Zealand Flax, Flax
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 5' - 6' (150cm - 180cm)
Spread 4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)
Spacing 60" (150cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Phormium (Flax)
Not sure which Phormium (Flax) to pick?
Compare Now

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