yardremake
A mature New Zealand Flax (Phormium tenax) growing in a residential garden bed

In the landscape

Accent · Mass planting · Container · Patio · Butterfly · Childrens · Pollinator · Rain

Data sources

Missouri Botanical Garden, NC State Extension

New Zealand Flax

Phormium tenax · Perennial

New Zealand Flax is a perennial, hardy in USDA zones 9-11, that matures to about 1–6 ft × 1–3 ft. It does best in full sun and part shade with medium water needs in well-drained soil. Expect brown and red blooms in summer. It attracts hummingbirds, stands up well to salt and grows happily in containers.

USDA zones
9-11
Sun
Full sun, Part shade
Water
Medium
Mature size
1–6 ft × 1–3 ft
Maintenance
Low
Soil
Well-drained
Bloom color
Brown, Red
Bloom season
Summer
Attracts
Hummingbirds
Tough against
Salt
Native to
New Zealand

Will it survive your winters?

We score New Zealand Flax’s freeze-trouble range against the real coldest nights your area has recorded.

Powered by ~35 years of daily lows from the nearest NOAA weather station. A risk read, not a guarantee — a sheltered spot or mature plant beats the odds.

More plants for your zone: Zone 9 · Zone 10 · Zone 11

See the New Zealand Flax in your own yard

Upload a photo and our AI designs with real plants like this one — matched to your USDA zone.

More perennials