New Zealand Red Flax (Phormium): Growing, Propagating, and Using It in the Landscape

Botanical Overview

• Common name: New Zealand Red Flax

• Botanical genus: Phormium

• Growth habit: Clumping, evergreen perennial

• Mature size: 3–8 feet tall and wide (variety dependent)

• Foliage: Upright, strap-like leaves in shades of burgundy, bronze, red, and green

Phormiums are not true flax and are unrelated to flax used for fiber production. Their value is almost entirely ornamental in modern landscapes.

Climate Suitability and Hardiness

New Zealand red flax performs best in mild coastal and lowland climates.

• USDA Zones: Generally 8–10

• Cold tolerance: Around 15–20°F for established plants

• PNW performance: Excellent in coastal, urban, and protected inland sites

Cold damage usually affects leaf tips first. Severe freezes may burn foliage but often spare the crown, allowing regrowth in spring.

We have never lost flax plants here in the PNW due to cold or wet. Plants planted late in spring, early winter, seem to be stagnate until spring. One heavy snow we had seemed to crush a few of our plants, however within a year they started to show signs of regrowth. Two years out they are full size healthy plants again.

Site Selection and Soil Requirements

Proper placement is critical for long-term success.

Light

• Full sun for best color intensity

• Light shade tolerated, especially inland

Soil

• Well-drained soil is essential

• Tolerates sandy, loamy, and amended clay soils

• Avoid sites with standing winter water

While phormium tolerates moisture, soggy winter soil is its biggest enemy.

Watering and Maintenance

Once established, New Zealand red flax is relatively low maintenance.

• Establishment period: Regular watering first growing season

• After establishment: Moderate drought tolerance

• Maintenance: Remove damaged or dead leaves at the base

Do not shear like ornamental grasses. Leaves should be cut individually to preserve form.

Propagation Methods

Division (Preferred Method)

Division is the most reliable way to propagate red flax.

Best time:

• Spring, after danger of hard frost

• Early summer in cooler regions

Steps:

1. Dig up the entire clump

2. Separate into sections with roots and shoots

3. Replant immediately at the same depth

4. Water thoroughly during re-establishment

Divisions establish quickly and remain true to cultivar color.

The division of larger plants take some effort, as the roots of the individual plants are wrapped up tight. Once separated the plans seem stagnate for the first few months, but come back strong the next year.

Seed Propagation (Less Common)

Seed propagation is possible but less predictable.

• Color variation is common

• Slower to reach landscape size

• Best used for experimentation rather than uniform plantings

For most gardeners and landscapers, division is the superior method.

Using New Zealand Red Flax in the Landscape

Structural Anchor Plant

Red flax excels as a focal or anchor plant due to its upright habit.

Common uses:

• Entryways and walkways

• Patio borders

• Poolside or hardscape edges

Its form contrasts well with rounded shrubs and fine-textured grasses.

Tropical and Modern Garden Designs

Phormium is often used to create a tropical or modern aesthetic without relying on tender plants.

Pairs well with:

• Cold-hardy palms

• Banana plants

• Bamboo

• Large-leaf perennials

Its evergreen structure maintains interest year-round.

Containers and Urban Landscapes

Compact cultivars perform well in large containers.

Benefits:

• Mobility during extreme cold

• Controlled soil drainage

• Strong visual impact in small spaces

Containers also allow gardeners to experiment with placement before committing to in-ground planting.

Common Problems and Solutions

• Leaf tip browning: Often cold or wind exposure

• Crown rot: Usually drainage-related

• Faded color: Insufficient sunlight

Most issues are cultural rather than disease-related.

Why New Zealand Red Flax Works in the Pacific Northwest

Few plants offer the same combination of:

• Bold year-round structure

• Color contrast

• Low maintenance

• Compatibility with tropical-style landscapes

For gardeners seeking drama without fragility, red flax remains a standout choice.

We use Flax in our beds surrounding other pillar plants (Windmills or Banana palms). Propagating as they get too big for the beds.