New Zealand Flax (Phormium tenax)

New Zealand flax is a robust evergreen perennial that forms a clump of dark grey-green, strap-shaped leaves. Summer panicles of tubular dull-red flowers rise above the foliage, and flowering stems can reach several metres. ## Landscape Use Use it as an architectural accent, in coastal plantings or as a large container specimen. The [Royal Horticultural Society](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/12791/phormium-tenax/details) lists mature plants at 2.5–4 m tall and 1.5–2.5 m wide. Container plants may flower infrequently. ## Growing Conditions Give it full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is not reliably hardy below USDA Zone 9a and may struggle in excessive summer heat; in colder regions, a container allows winter shelter. North Carolina State Extension notes that flowers attract hummingbirds and that the species is salt tolerant. ## Maintenance Remove dead or damaged leaves in spring. Watch for mealybugs, snails and leaf spot, which the [NC State Extension profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/phormium-tenax/) identifies as potential problems.