Phormium tenax Purpureum Group (New Zealand Flax)
New Zealand flax Purpureum Group, Phormium tenax 'Purpureum', Purple New Zealand Flax, Phormium 'Wilwood'
Adding majesty to the garden year-round, Phormium tenax Purpureum Group (New Zealand Flax) is a very ornamental and robust evergreen perennial featuring a basal rosette of dark purple, strap-shaped leaves up to 6 ft. in length (2 m), that gracefully arch over toward the tips. The architectural and richly colored foliage is topped in summer with a dramatic flowering stalk, up to 10 ft. high (3 m), 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 4-6 ft. high and wide (120-180 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 |
7 - 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 |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm) |
| Spread |
4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm) |
| Spacing | 72" (180cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit |
| Attracts | Birds |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Recommended Companion Plants
Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens
Requirements
| Hardiness |
7 - 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 |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm) |
| Spread |
4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm) |
| Spacing | 72" (180cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit |
| Attracts | Birds |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
