Ornamental Grasses – New Zealand Flax

Botanical name: phormium tenax

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: up to 10 ft in height and 3 ft in width

Bloom time: summer

Hardy zone: zones 8-10

Flower color: pink/red

Foliage color: green/blue

Growth rate: grows about 1 ft per year

Pruning instructions: prune to maintain desired shape and size in the late winter/early spring

Propagation methods: propagate by dividing and replanting in the spring and fall

Landscape use: large borders, ornamental appeal

Light needs: at least 6 hours of sun per day

Special features: ideal for coastal gardens, large color variety

Watering instructions: water when the first couple inches of soil have dried

Fertilizing instructions : use a liquid all purpose plant food once a month throughout the spring, summer, and fall

Best time to plant: spring

Best type of soil: loam, clay, sand

Companion plants: geraniums, coreopsis

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and pets

Invasive species: not invasive