PerennialsPhormium tenax
New Zealand Flax
New Zealand flax is a vigorous evergreen plant with long, sword-shaped, stiffly upright leaves that create a spectacular architectural statement. Cultivars come in green, bronze, red and striped forms. At maturity a tall flower stalk appears with dark red tubular flowers that attract birds. A showpiece in modern and coastal gardens.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low
- Height
- 100–300 cm
- Spread
- 100–200 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 8–11
- Family
- Asphodelaceae
- Evergreen
- Yes
- Flower colors
- red
- Wildlife value
- birds, bees
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Tolerates drought, wind and salt air superbly. Protect in winter with mulch around the base, or keep as a container plant in cold areas. Water sparingly — wet feet lead to root rot. No special feeding needed.
Pruning tips
Remove dead and damaged leaves by cutting them at the base. Cut away the spent flower stalk. Divide overcrowded clumps in spring. Wear gloves — the leaf edges can cut.
Good companions
PerennialsAgave americana
Century Plant
The century plant is an imposing rosette-forming succulent with broad, blue-green, sharply pointed leaves reaching up to two metres in length. The plant grows for decades before flowering once with a spectacular, multi-metre tall flower stalk — after which the mother plant dies, leaving behind offsets. As an architectural focal point it fits perfectly in modern and Mediterranean gardens.
PerennialsStrelitzia reginae
Bird of Paradise
The bird of paradise is a striking tropical plant with sturdy, blue-green, banana-like leaves and spectacular flowers resembling the head of an exotic bird. The blooms combine vivid orange sepals with sky-blue petals and appear almost year-round. An architectural showpiece as a container plant.
Ornamental grassesFestuca glauca
Blue Fescue
Blue Fescue is a compact, evergreen ornamental grass with a striking blue-grey colour that forms dense, dome-shaped tufts. In June and July, beige flower plumes emerge above the foliage. The grass is ideal for dry, sunny borders, rock gardens, and contemporary plantings.