Phormium tenax 'Purpureum' (New Zealand flax)

Array ( [0] => Array ( [id] => 204 [is_published] => 1 [websiteID] => 5 [url] => /gardening/native-orchids.php [page_status] => Published [number_of_ads] => 5 [can_use_editor] => 1 [last_modified_date] => 2013-09-16 00:00:00 [last_modified_by] => Alan [checked_for_duplicate_content] => [title] => Australian Native Orchids [heading] => Australian Native Orchids [meta_description] => Native orchids range from the spectacular epiphytic (growing on trees) and lithophytic (growing on rocks) species of the tropical jungles and warmer areas of Australia, to the intricately subtle terrestrial (growing in the ground) species found throughout the dry eucalypts forests throughout the continent. [article_category_1] => Gardening [article_category_2] => [article_category_3] => [article_category_4] => [article_category_5] => [business_category_1] => Landscaper [business_category_2] => Nursery [business_category_3] => Garden Designer [business_category_4] => Landscape Architect [business_category_5] => [number_of_google_mrecs] => [show_google_ad_bottom_of_page] => [show_get_quotes_top_of_page] => [show_get_quotes_rhs_of_page] => [show_directory_search_widget] => [show_trending_content_widget] => [show_facebook_widget] => [show_further_reading_section] => 1 [show_sponsors_section] => 0 [show_top_article_ad] => 1 ) [1] => Array ( [id] => 546 [is_published] => 1 [websiteID] => 5 [url] => /landscaping/get-the-right-turf-for-your-situation.php [page_status] => Published [number_of_ads] => 1 [can_use_editor] => 1 [last_modified_date] => 2013-09-18 00:00:00 [last_modified_by] => Alan [checked_for_duplicate_content] => [title] => Get The Right Turf For Your Situation [heading] => Get The Right Turf For Your Situation [meta_description] => Tips from OzBreed. Learn how to choose the right turf for your garden or other grassy area. [article_category_1] => Landscaping [article_category_2] => [article_category_3] => [article_category_4] => [article_category_5] => [business_category_1] => Landscaper [business_category_2] => Garden Maintenance [business_category_3] => Garden Supplies [business_category_4] => Garden Designer [business_category_5] => Garden Tools [number_of_google_mrecs] => 1 [show_google_ad_bottom_of_page] => 1 [show_get_quotes_top_of_page] => 1 [show_get_quotes_rhs_of_page] => 1 [show_directory_search_widget] => 1 [show_trending_content_widget] => 1 [show_facebook_widget] => 1 [show_further_reading_section] => 1 [show_sponsors_section] => 1 [show_top_article_ad] => 1 ) [2] => Array ( [id] => 209 [is_published] => 1 [websiteID] => 5 [url] => /gardening/top-gum-trees-for-gardens.php [page_status] => Published [number_of_ads] => 4 [can_use_editor] => 1 [last_modified_date] => 2013-09-16 00:00:00 [last_modified_by] => Alan [checked_for_duplicate_content] => [title] => Angus's Top Gum Trees for Gardens [heading] => Angus's Top Gum Trees for Gardens [meta_description] => Angus Stewart's list of the best gum trees (Eucalyptus, Corymbia and Angophora) for Australian gardens. [article_category_1] => Gardening [article_category_2] => [article_category_3] => [article_category_4] => [article_category_5] => [business_category_1] => Landscaper [business_category_2] => Nursery [business_category_3] => Garden Designer [business_category_4] => Landscape Architect [business_category_5] => [number_of_google_mrecs] => [show_google_ad_bottom_of_page] => [show_get_quotes_top_of_page] => [show_get_quotes_rhs_of_page] => [show_directory_search_widget] => [show_trending_content_widget] => [show_facebook_widget] => [show_further_reading_section] => 1 [show_sponsors_section] => 0 [show_top_article_ad] => 1 ) [3] => Array ( [id] => 202 [is_published] => 1 [websiteID] => 5 [url] => /gardening/native-grasses-dianellas-and-lomandras.php [page_status] => Published [number_of_ads] => 5 [can_use_editor] => 1 [last_modified_date] => 2013-09-16 00:00:00 [last_modified_by] => Alan [checked_for_duplicate_content] => [title] => Native grasses and friends [heading] => Native grasses and friends [meta_description] => An exciting thing is happening in the world of Australian plants. Wild species that have tantalised gardeners in the past are now being improved to create a diverse palette of new varieties that offer all kinds of advantages. In particular, the necessity for water-wise, low maintenance gardens has inspired interest in plants that can be used as ground covers that will not only suppress weeds and erosion but also look fantastic. [article_category_1] => Gardening [article_category_2] => [article_category_3] => [article_category_4] => [article_category_5] => [business_category_1] => Landscaper [business_category_2] => Nursery [business_category_3] => Garden Designer [business_category_4] => Landscape Architect [business_category_5] => [number_of_google_mrecs] => [show_google_ad_bottom_of_page] => [show_get_quotes_top_of_page] => [show_get_quotes_rhs_of_page] => [show_directory_search_widget] => [show_trending_content_widget] => [show_facebook_widget] => [show_further_reading_section] => 1 [show_sponsors_section] => 0 [show_top_article_ad] => 1 ) )

Plant description

Phormium tenax Purpureum is a tough and hardy perennial plant with broad strappy leaves. It forms a clump of dull purplish leaves to 3 metres tall, and produces a tall spike of reddish flowers in spring or summer. The flowers are very rich in nectar which attracts birds. It is drought and frost tolerant once established. Suitable for coastal plantings.

Phormium grows best in a moist well drained soil, but will tolerate a wide range of soil types. It grows in full sun to part shade. It is an easy care plant, fertilise in spring and remove any dead leaves and flowers.

Phormium is native to New Zealand. The common name comes from the fact that the leaves can be used as a good fibre source. It was traditionally used for rope making, as well as for clothing, baskets, sails and roofs. It is has medicinal properties. The roots are boiled and crushed, and are used externally for boils and abcesses. The sap contains enzymes that give it blood clotting and antiseptic properties. The seed contains high levels of omega-3 oils. The leaves can also be used for paper making.

Additional plant information

Flowers

Flower colour: red
Flowering season: spring summer

Plant size

Maximum height: 4 metres
Minimum height: 2.5 metres

Maximum width: 2.5 metres
Minimum width: 1.5 metres

Sunlight, frost & salt tolerance

This plant will tolerate full or partial sunlight.
Medium frost tolerance.
Plant is salt tolerant.

Fauna attracting?

Yes. Attracts: Birds, insects, bees.

Climate

This plant species will grow in the following climates: cool, temperate, subtropical, tropical.

Soil types & conditions

Loam: dry, moist, well-drained.

Clay: well-drained.

Sand: moist, well-drained.

Soil pH: 4.5-8

Miscellaneous information

Planting season: Any.

Types of fertiliser: Good general purpose fertiliser.

Find a nursery       Search for another plant