Phormium tenax aka New Zealand Flax

Taxonomy

Genus Phormium Family Asphodelaceae Order Asparagales Class Liliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Phormium tenax, native to New Zealand, is an evergreen, clump-forming tender perennial. Gardeners grow it as a large and often colorful, spiky plant that makes an arresting focal point in the garden or in containers. It has sword-like leaves that shoot up from the base of the plant, often in vibrant shades of yellow, pink, red and bronze. On mature plants, the flower stalks shoot up above the leaves and produce curving, tubular red or yellow blossoms that are very high in nectar and a hummingbird favorite. After the flowers bloom, seed pods form which are attractive in their own right, but should be deadheaded if self-seeding is not desired. Fibre from Phorium tenex has been used since the arrival of Māori to New Zealand, and it is an important fibre plant and a popular ornamental plant. The blades of the plant contain cucurbitacins, which are toxic to some animals, and it is considered an invasive species in some of the Pacific Islands and in Australia.

Common names

New Zealand Flax, New Zealand Hemp, Harakeke

How to care for New Zealand Flax

Difficulty

New Zealand Flax is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

New Zealand Flax should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

New Zealand Flax loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

New Zealand Flax requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your New Zealand Flax will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

New Zealand Flax’s native range is New Zealand. Naturalized in Britain in S.W. England[17].

More info:
Wikipedia

More Species in Phormium Genus

Phormium tenax New Zealand Flax