New Zealand Flax

Phormium tenax

Native to:
Antipodean Is., Chatham Is., New Zealand, Norfolk Is.

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asphodelaceae
Genus:
Phormium
Species:
Phormium tenax
USDA Symbol:
PHTE8

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Subshrub
Height:
300 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jan,feb,nov,dec
Bloom Colors:
red, yellow, orange

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, bees
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts vigorously from the base after fire or cutting. Fire tolerant in its native New Zealand habitat.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
fertile, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
native to New Zealand's coastal and swampy areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily at 18-22°C with light. No pretreatment required.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI