It makes a good container plant that can be moved indoors for the winter.
New Zealand flax grows in erect clumps.
The soil in the planting location must have good drainage.
Credit: Frances Litman
see to it the location offers ample space.
In containers, the size is usually a little more restrained.
Dig a hole twice the width of the container and the same height.
Credit: Frances Litman
Slide the plant out of the container and gently rub the roots to loosen them if they are root-bound.
Set the plant in the hole and hold it upright with one hand while backfilling the hole with soil.
Space dwarf varieties 1 to 2 feet apart and larger plants 3 to 4 feet apart.
Credit: Jay Wilde
However, depending on the cultivar, some may require more water than others.
During cold weather and when overwintering the plants indoors, they dont need much water.
Temperature and Humidity
New Zealand flax is not frost-hardy.
Credit: David Speer
Keep them in a cool room where they get plenty of sunlight.
The plant does not have any particular humidity requirements.
Fertilizer
New Zealand flax that is planted in garden soil usually needs no fertilizer.
Credit: Jim Krantz
An annual system of compost, scattered around the base of the plant, is sufficient.
Pruning
Prune in the fall or in the spring.
Cut off dead or dying branches and leaves at their base.
Credit: Dency Kane
If your plant has been damaged by cold weather, cut it down to its base.
It may be that the roots are still healthy, and the plant will grow back.
Potting and Repotting New Zealand Flax
New Zealand flax does well in pots.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
Use containers with large drainage holes and fill them with high-quality organic potting mix.
Water and fertilize the plants regularly during the summer.
Repotting becomes necessary when the roots have reached the sides of the container.
Indoor plants may have problems withcommon houseplant pests.
Each section should have roots, a portion of rhizome, and at least one leaf.
Then replant the sections in the garden or plant them in a container and water well.
This hybrid has leaves 4 feet long.
It grows 2 to 4 feet tall and wide.
‘Guardsman’ New Zealand Flax
Phormium’Guardsman' can’t be missed in the garden.
It tolerates seaside conditions and is drought-tolerant.
It grows to 3 to 4 feet and is wider than it is tall.
New Zealand Flax Companion Plants
Phlox
There are several different kinds ofphlox.
Garden and meadow phlox produce large panicles of fragrant flowers in many colors.
They add height, heft, and charm to a border.
Excellent for cut flowers.
All dahlias are fodder for seasonal cut bouquets.
The blooming season extends into fall and is only halted by the first frost.
Zones 8-10
Anemone
Anemonesare delicate flowers atop slender stems, giving them their common namewindflower.
Frequently Asked Questions
In many cases, the flowers of New Zealand flax are an afterthought.
The flowers are generallyheavy nectar producers, making them a favorite for hummingbirds and other pollinators.
New Zealand flax is deer-resistant, fire-resistant, and drought-resistant.
Its mostly minimal flowers attract birds, bees, and butterflies.
