Phormium Tenax

Adding majesty to the garden year-round, Phormium tenax Purpureum Group (New Zealand Flax) is a very ornamental and robust evergreen perennial featuring a basal rosette of dark purple, strap-shaped leaves up to 6 ft. in length (2 m), that gracefully arch over toward the tips. The architectural and richly colored foliage is topped in summer with a dramatic flowering stalk, up to 10 ft. high (3 m), bearing panicles of tubular, red flowers which attract nectar-seeking birds. Native to New Zealand, Phormium tenax is primarily grown for its attractive foliage and makes a stunning focal point in the garden. Most plants do not flower until they are fully mature.