Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free picturethis icon
Continue Reading
genus_about genus_about
About
genus_care_basic_guide genus_care_basic_guide
Basic Care Guide
genus_care_advanced_guide genus_care_advanced_guide
Advanced Care
genus_care_key_facts genus_care_key_facts
Key Facts
types types
Types
similar_genus similar_genus
Similar Plants
Phormium
Phormium
Phormium
Phormium

How to Care Phormium

How to Care Phormium , Growing Phormium , Caring for Phormium

Watering Frequency
Watering Frequency
Every week
Sunlight
Sunlight
Full sun
genus_care_basic_guide

Basic Care Guide

feedback
Feedback
How to Water Phormium ?
How to Water Phormium ?
How to Water Phormium ?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Phormium ?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Phormium ?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Phormium ?
How to Prune Phormium ?
How to Prune Phormium ?
How to Prune Phormium ?
genus_care_advanced_guide

Advanced Care Guide

feedback
Feedback
care_advancedcareguidetemperature_title
care_advancedcareguidetemperature_title
care_advancedcareguidetemperature_title
What Soil is Best for Phormium ?
What Soil is Best for Phormium ?
What Soil is Best for Phormium ?
How to Propagate Phormium ?
How to Propagate Phormium ?
How to Propagate Phormium ?
How to Transplant Phormium ?
How to Transplant Phormium ?
How to Transplant Phormium ?
How to Repot Phormium ?
How to Repot Phormium ?
How to Repot Phormium ?
info

Key Facts About Phormium

feedback
Feedback
feedback

Attributes of Phormium

Water
Drought-tolerant. Allow the soil to dry completely between watering.
Sunlight
Full sun
Tolerance Lighting
Partial sun
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃
Soil
Loam, Sand, Clay, Chalky
Soil pH
6-7.5
Propagation
Division, Sowing

Scientific Classification of Phormium

More Info About Phormium
types

Types of Phormium

feedback
Feedback
Phormium cookianum subsp. hookeri 'Tricolor'
Flax 'Tricolor'
Flax 'Tricolor' is most admired for the color of its sword-like foliage, green with cream-colored stripes and vivid red margins, hence the name 'Tricolor'. Gardeners also love the flowers that protrude out above the foliage in summer. It's a subspecies of Phormium cookianum, but the original parent plant doesn't have the red coloration interestingly.
Phormium tenax 'Dark Delight'
New zealand flax 'Dark Delight'
New zealand flax 'Dark Delight' is a flax bush with very dark, reddish-brown leaves, which give it its sultry name. It is originally native to New Zealand but is enjoyed in many countries because it creates such an interesting texture and visual effect in a garden. Its long, spined leaves can be as tall as 1.5 m, and it is very disease resistant.
Phormium tenax 'Amazing Red'
New zealand flax 'Amazing Red'
Compact size, shockingly red flowers, and bronze-colored evergreen foliage make new zealand flax 'Amazing Red' truly stand out. Cultivated as a New Zealand flax hybrid, this variety was aptly named for its amazingly red blooms and reddish leaves. New zealand flax 'Amazing Red' is popular in small gardens for its manageable size, centerpiece ornamental look, and appeal to hummingbirds.
Phormium cookianum 'Cream Delight'
Flax 'Cream Delight'
Flax 'Cream Delight' is a New Zealand flax cultivar named for the creamy white centers of its leaves. It provides color in the winter garden when other plants are dormant. This is a versatile plant to fill a large space or form a backdrop for showier plants.
Phormium tenax 'Jester'
New zealand flax 'Jester'
New zealand flax 'Jester' has a unique structure and contrasting coloration with pink leaves with lime-green edges. Bred from the flax plant, the new zealand flax 'Jester' cultivar is an eye-catching garden plant popular as either an accent piece or for use as a colorful border.
Phormium colensoi
Mountain flax
Mountain flax is a perennial considered sacred to the Māori people of New Zealand, where the plant is endemic. The Māori have historically used it to weave baskets and make waistbands. This large-leaf plant is propagated by dividing its root ball.
Phormium tenax
New zealand flax
New zealand flax is an evergreen plant that produces red, erect flowers. Although the plant is primarily grown for its attractive flowers, it will not produce them if planted in small containers. The plant thrives in natural conditions and prefers well-draining soil and full sun.
Phormium tenax 'Platt's Black'
New zealand flax 'Platt's Black'
New zealand flax 'Platt's Black' is a New Zealand flax cultivar, noted for its sword-like, chocolate brown to gray leaves. New zealand flax 'Platt's Black' is presumably one of the darkest New Zealand flax cultivars. It is often used in landscaping, mostly as an accent plant, but it also provides an excellent contract when planted along with brightly colored plants.
similar_genus

More Similar Plants

feedback
Feedback
Hemerocallis
Daylilies
Named for its extra short blooming time, daylilies produce lovely flowers that last for only one day apiece. The Latin name, Hemerocallis, accordingly means "beauty for a day." Available in a variety of colors, the ever-popular daylilies are many a gardener's favorite. The foliage is attractive (even after flowers have faded) and the plant requires minimal maintenance. These flowers are great for filling in large empty areas with mass plantings or lining walkways or garden paths.
Aloiampelos
Climbing-aloes
Climbing-aloes comprises seven species found in Southern Africa. The genus is centered in the Eastern Cape, South Africa where they are also particularly common. They are typically multi-branched climbing or sprawling shrubs, with long spindly stems and a large woody base on the ground. These characteristics, as well as their soft, narrow, triangular leaves whose lower part ensheathes the stem, make them easy to distinguish.
Kumara
Kumara
Kumara are a small genus of succulent plants native to the Western Cape of South Africa. They can be found on steep and inaccessible sandstone slopes, and form part of the South African 'fynbos' ecosystem. They are characterized by their long and wide leaves that cluster together, spreading out in a fan shape. This unique leaf formation makes these popular and unique ornamental houseplants too.
Aloe
Aloe
Aloe comprise a large genus of shrubby succulent plants with a wide variety of forms. Most members have a distinct rosette of leaves at the base with no stem and grow in warm, dry climates. Many species are cultivated for their pointy, toothed, decorative foliage, or colorful flower clusters.
Chamaescilla
Chamaescilla
Chamaescilla is a genus of perennial herbs characterized by its delicate, star-shaped blue or violet flowers. These blossoms typically emerge in spring, thriving in the well-drained soils of open woodlands and meadows. The slender, grass-like foliage supports the vibrant blooms, which are essential for attracting pollinators, aiding in the plant's reproduction and survival in its native habitats.
Haworthiopsis
Haworthiopsis
Haworthiopsis is a genus of succulent plants primarily recognized for their rosette-forming leaves, which are thick, fleshy, and often adorned with white tubercles or stripes. These distinctive features enable haworthiopsis to thrive in arid environments by minimizing water loss. Typically small, these plants are well-suited for rock gardens or as houseplants, allowing them to maximize light exposure with minimal water consumption.
Bulbinella
Maori onions
Maori onions features slender, upright stems and elongated leaves that form dense tussocks. Its most notable trait is the lengthy spikes adorned with a multitude of small, star-shaped yellow or orange flowers, blooming mainly in spring. Adapted to varied environments from damp meadows to dry rocky terrains, maori onions's thick leaves help it retain moisture, offering resilience and a prolonged blooming season.
Astroloba
Astroloba
Astroloba is a succulent native to arid regions, characterized by its tight, spiral arrangement of triangular leaves. These leaves, often pointed and adorned with sharp edges, form dense, columnar rosettes. The resilience of astroloba to dry conditions is enabled by its ability to store water within its thick, waxy leaves, making it well-suited to rocky, nutrient-poor soils. Its subtle flower spikes usually bloom under full sunlight, displaying modest hues.
plant

Botanist in your pocket

plant
plant

App

plant
close
product icon
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants and unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app
close
title
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
Scan QR code to download
About
Basic Care Guide
Advanced Care
Key Facts
Types
Similar Plants
Phormium
Phormium
Phormium
Phormium
Phormium
Phormium
Phormium
Phormium
Watering Frequency
Watering Frequency
Every week
Sunlight
Sunlight
Full sun
icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
genus_care_basic_guide

Basic Care Guide

feedback
Feedback
How to Water Phormium ?
How to Water Phormium ?
How to Water Phormium ?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Phormium ?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Phormium ?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Phormium ?
How to Prune Phormium ?
How to Prune Phormium ?
How to Prune Phormium ?
genus_care_advanced_guide

Advanced Care Guide

feedback
Feedback
care_advancedcareguidetemperature_title
care_advancedcareguidetemperature_title
care_advancedcareguidetemperature_title
What Soil is Best for Phormium ?
What Soil is Best for Phormium ?
What Soil is Best for Phormium ?
How to Propagate Phormium ?
How to Propagate Phormium ?
How to Propagate Phormium ?
How to Transplant Phormium ?
How to Transplant Phormium ?
How to Transplant Phormium ?
How to Repot Phormium ?
How to Repot Phormium ?
How to Repot Phormium ?
info

How to Grow and Care for Gardenia

feedback
Feedback
feedback

Attributes of Phormium

Water
Drought-tolerant. Allow the soil to dry completely between watering.
Sunlight
Full sun
Tolerance Lighting
Partial sun
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃
Soil
Loam, Sand, Clay, Chalky
Soil pH
6-7.5
Propagation
Division, Sowing

Scientific Classification of Phormium

types

Types of Phormium

feedback
Feedback
Phormium cookianum subsp. hookeri 'Tricolor'
Flax 'Tricolor'
Flax 'Tricolor' is most admired for the color of its sword-like foliage, green with cream-colored stripes and vivid red margins, hence the name 'Tricolor'. Gardeners also love the flowers that protrude out above the foliage in summer. It's a subspecies of Phormium cookianum, but the original parent plant doesn't have the red coloration interestingly.
Phormium tenax 'Dark Delight'
New zealand flax 'Dark Delight'
New zealand flax 'Dark Delight' is a flax bush with very dark, reddish-brown leaves, which give it its sultry name. It is originally native to New Zealand but is enjoyed in many countries because it creates such an interesting texture and visual effect in a garden. Its long, spined leaves can be as tall as 1.5 m, and it is very disease resistant.
Phormium tenax 'Amazing Red'
New zealand flax 'Amazing Red'
Compact size, shockingly red flowers, and bronze-colored evergreen foliage make new zealand flax 'Amazing Red' truly stand out. Cultivated as a New Zealand flax hybrid, this variety was aptly named for its amazingly red blooms and reddish leaves. New zealand flax 'Amazing Red' is popular in small gardens for its manageable size, centerpiece ornamental look, and appeal to hummingbirds.
Phormium cookianum 'Cream Delight'
Flax 'Cream Delight'
Flax 'Cream Delight' is a New Zealand flax cultivar named for the creamy white centers of its leaves. It provides color in the winter garden when other plants are dormant. This is a versatile plant to fill a large space or form a backdrop for showier plants.
Show More Plants
similar_genus

More Similar Plants

feedback
Feedback
Hemerocallis
Daylilies
Named for its extra short blooming time, daylilies produce lovely flowers that last for only one day apiece. The Latin name, Hemerocallis, accordingly means "beauty for a day." Available in a variety of colors, the ever-popular daylilies are many a gardener's favorite. The foliage is attractive (even after flowers have faded) and the plant requires minimal maintenance. These flowers are great for filling in large empty areas with mass plantings or lining walkways or garden paths.
Aloiampelos
Climbing-aloes
Climbing-aloes comprises seven species found in Southern Africa. The genus is centered in the Eastern Cape, South Africa where they are also particularly common. They are typically multi-branched climbing or sprawling shrubs, with long spindly stems and a large woody base on the ground. These characteristics, as well as their soft, narrow, triangular leaves whose lower part ensheathes the stem, make them easy to distinguish.
Kumara
Kumara
Kumara are a small genus of succulent plants native to the Western Cape of South Africa. They can be found on steep and inaccessible sandstone slopes, and form part of the South African 'fynbos' ecosystem. They are characterized by their long and wide leaves that cluster together, spreading out in a fan shape. This unique leaf formation makes these popular and unique ornamental houseplants too.
Aloe
Aloe
Aloe comprise a large genus of shrubby succulent plants with a wide variety of forms. Most members have a distinct rosette of leaves at the base with no stem and grow in warm, dry climates. Many species are cultivated for their pointy, toothed, decorative foliage, or colorful flower clusters.
Chamaescilla
Chamaescilla
Chamaescilla is a genus of perennial herbs characterized by its delicate, star-shaped blue or violet flowers. These blossoms typically emerge in spring, thriving in the well-drained soils of open woodlands and meadows. The slender, grass-like foliage supports the vibrant blooms, which are essential for attracting pollinators, aiding in the plant's reproduction and survival in its native habitats.
Haworthiopsis
Haworthiopsis
Haworthiopsis is a genus of succulent plants primarily recognized for their rosette-forming leaves, which are thick, fleshy, and often adorned with white tubercles or stripes. These distinctive features enable haworthiopsis to thrive in arid environments by minimizing water loss. Typically small, these plants are well-suited for rock gardens or as houseplants, allowing them to maximize light exposure with minimal water consumption.
Bulbinella
Maori onions
Maori onions features slender, upright stems and elongated leaves that form dense tussocks. Its most notable trait is the lengthy spikes adorned with a multitude of small, star-shaped yellow or orange flowers, blooming mainly in spring. Adapted to varied environments from damp meadows to dry rocky terrains, maori onions's thick leaves help it retain moisture, offering resilience and a prolonged blooming season.
Astroloba
Astroloba
Astroloba is a succulent native to arid regions, characterized by its tight, spiral arrangement of triangular leaves. These leaves, often pointed and adorned with sharp edges, form dense, columnar rosettes. The resilience of astroloba to dry conditions is enabled by its ability to store water within its thick, waxy leaves, making it well-suited to rocky, nutrient-poor soils. Its subtle flower spikes usually bloom under full sunlight, displaying modest hues.
product icon close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
product icon close
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Cookie Management Tool
In addition to managing cookies through your browser or device, you can change your cookie settings below.
Necessary Cookies
Necessary cookies enable core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies, and can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences.
Analytical Cookies
Analytical cookies help us to improve our application/website by collecting and reporting information on its usage.
Cookie Name Source Purpose Lifespan
_ga Google Analytics These cookies are set because of our use of Google Analytics. They are used to collect information about your use of our application/website. The cookies collect specific information, such as your IP address, data related to your device and other information about your use of the application/website. Please note that the data processing is essentially carried out by Google LLC and Google may use your data collected by the cookies for own purposes, e.g. profiling and will combine it with other data such as your Google Account. For more information about how Google processes your data and Google’s approach to privacy as well as implemented safeguards for your data, please see here. 1 Year
_pta PictureThis Analytics We use these cookies to collect information about how you use our site, monitor site performance, and improve our site performance, our services, and your experience. 1 Year
Cookie Name
_ga
Source
Google Analytics
Purpose
These cookies are set because of our use of Google Analytics. They are used to collect information about your use of our application/website. The cookies collect specific information, such as your IP address, data related to your device and other information about your use of the application/website. Please note that the data processing is essentially carried out by Google LLC and Google may use your data collected by the cookies for own purposes, e.g. profiling and will combine it with other data such as your Google Account. For more information about how Google processes your data and Google’s approach to privacy as well as implemented safeguards for your data, please see here.
Lifespan
1 Year

Cookie Name
_pta
Source
PictureThis Analytics
Purpose
We use these cookies to collect information about how you use our site, monitor site performance, and improve our site performance, our services, and your experience.
Lifespan
1 Year
Marketing Cookies
Marketing cookies are used by advertising companies to serve ads that are relevant to your interests.
Cookie Name Source Purpose Lifespan
_fbp Facebook Pixel A conversion pixel tracking that we use for retargeting campaigns. Learn more here. 1 Year
_adj Adjust This cookie provides mobile analytics and attribution services that enable us to measure and analyze the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, certain events and actions within the Application. Learn more here. 1 Year
Cookie Name
_fbp
Source
Facebook Pixel
Purpose
A conversion pixel tracking that we use for retargeting campaigns. Learn more here.
Lifespan
1 Year

Cookie Name
_adj
Source
Adjust
Purpose
This cookie provides mobile analytics and attribution services that enable us to measure and analyze the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, certain events and actions within the Application. Learn more here.
Lifespan
1 Year
picturethis icon
picturethis icon
Master planting, caring and managing various plants.
Use App
This page looks better in the app
Open