- Food forest
New Zealand Flax
Phormium tenax
The great flax plant of New Zealand.
PLANT TYPE Shrub
PLANT HABIT Perennial
USES Utility
DESCRIPTION
Large evergreen perennial from New Zealand. It’s large sword-like leaves can be used to make strong biodegradable string in you backyard. In New Zealand this flax has been used as a hard wearing fibre on an industrial scale. At full size is a giant of a plant growing 2-4m high and wide. Mature plants produce tall flower spikes with red and yellow tubular flowers that can be up to 5m long, projecting high above the foliage.
Called Harakeke by the Maori of New Zealand, which is a much nicer name, don’t you think?
PRODUCT NOTES 2 year old plant 1.5 litre in pot.
RECOMMENDED LOCATION Forest garden
Aspect Full sun
Height 2m-4m with flower spike.
Spread 2-3m
Hardiness Very hardy
