Black Adder™ New Zealand Flax

Black Adder is the trade name for the exact Phormium cookianum selection FIT01; the U.S. plant patent identifies that denomination as US PP20,451 P3, issued November 3, 2009, and describes deep blackish-purple foliage through the year. Sunset Plant Collection’s exact listing gives a 4–5-foot height, about 3 feet of width, suitability for full sun through part shade, and USDA zone 8b. ## Garden Placement Use Black Adder as a focal clump in a border or large container, where dark foliage contrasts with silver, gold or bright green plants. Its glossy, upright, arching leaves remain the main display through the year. The patent document names Pat Fitzgerald as inventor. The exact [Concept Plants listing](https://www.conceptplants.com/varieties/phormium-cookianum-black-adder-fit01) identifies Fitzgerald Nurseries Ltd. as breeder and gives the selection code. ## Maintenance Provide well-drained soil and water regularly while the plant establishes; reduce irrigation once the clump is settled, while avoiding prolonged dryness in hot conditions. Full sun is suitable, with some shade also tolerated, particularly at hotter sites. Remove old or damaged leaves at the base to maintain a clean outline. [Sunset Plant Collection’s Black Adder detail](https://sunsetplantcollection.com/the-collection/plant/black-adder/) and the [US plant patent](https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/89/5d/7f/5f59289a09ba43/USPP20451.pdf) provide selection and growing details.