Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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phormium tenax red

Phormium tenax red is a striking variety of the iconic New Zealand flax, prized for its dramatic burgundy-red foliage and year-round garden impact. Ideal for adding bold colour and texture to modern landscaping, coastal gardens, and even pots, this hardy plant thrives in a range of Kiwi conditions. Whether you’re seeking a garden centrepiece or a low-maintenance, architectural accent, phormium tenax red brings both resilience and vibrant beauty to any outdoor space.

Phormium 'Evening Glow'

Phormium 'Evening Glow' is a variety of Flax that produces long and broad, sword-like leaves that are coloured various shades of pink and red with a bronze margin. This variety grows to 1.3 m tall and the same wide with a tidy and compact habit. Phormium 'Evening Glow' is a versatile plant that makes a fantastic addition to mixed plantings and borders, and is well-suited for coastal gardens. It can also be used to accentuate water features, such as ponds and streams, or grown around pool and barbecue areas.

Buy Phormium 'Evening Glow'

From $20.93

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Flaxes

Height: 1.30 m

Spread: 1.30 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind

Garden uses: Banks, Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian

Phormium tenax

Phormium tenax, commonly known as the NZ flax or Harakeke, is a flax plant that produces erect, green, sword-like leaves. Stems rise above the foliage in summer to bear twisted-looking flowers that result in black seed pods in autumn, and the nectar produced by the flowers attracts both birds and butterflies. Harakeke grows as a clump to about 2 m tall and the same wide, performing best when planted in full sun on a well-drained site. It is a popular landscape option that is also often used to contrast with other plant colours. Mass planting on a bank not only provides an outstanding display but is also excellent for helping to stabilise the soil.

Buy Phormium tenax

From $20.93

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Flaxes

Height: 2.00 m

Spread: 2.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind

Garden uses: Banks, Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian

Why Choose Phormium Tenax Red

Few plants offer the versatility and visual punch of phormium tenax red. This distinct cultivar stands out for its tall, sword-like leaves in deep shades of red that intensify in full sun. Like other members of the Phormium tenax family, it boasts extraordinary wind and salt tolerance, making it perfect for coastal or exposed gardens. Its evergreen habit and upright form provide structure throughout the seasons, even when other plants have faded.

Landscaping Uses for Phormium Tenax Red

Thanks to its bold colour and architectural form, phormium tenax red is a designer favourite for borders, mass plantings, and feature plantings in residential and commercial gardens. Use it to create a dramatic backdrop for lighter-toned plants, or combine with other coloured flaxes for textural interest. Grow as a specimen plant, or in combination with grasses, succulents, and flowering shrubs for an easy-care, contemporary look. If you love the red tones of phormium tenax red, you might also enjoy Photinia Super Red (Red Robin) for hedging or screening.

Growing and Care Tips

Phormium tenax red is just as robust as classic Phormium tenax. Plant in full sun to part shade, in well-drained soil—though these flaxes will tolerate heavier soils and even some wet feet. Water regularly until established. Once settled, they need very little attention: they’re drought-tolerant, frost hardy, and unfussy about soil type. Remove spent flower stalks and old leaves as needed to maintain their tidy appearance.

Alternatives and Companions

If you’re seeking variety in texture and colour, explore other Phormium cultivars like Phormium 'Evening Glow', with its vibrant apricot and pink tones, or the more compact Phormium 'Surfer'. For a more subtle palette, consider Phormium 'Veneer', which features silvery green leaves with bronze-lime stripes. These small flaxes work beautifully as groundcovers or edging in mixed beds.

Shop Phormium Tenax and More

Ready to enhance your garden with the bold hues of phormium tenax red? As New Zealand’s trusted plant nursery, we offer a curated selection of flax cultivars adaptable to every landscape. Browse our range and discover the perfect companion plants, including the classic Phormium tenax, eye-catching Phormium 'Evening Glow', compact Phormium 'Surfer', and elegant Phormium 'Veneer'. With expert advice and quality plants, transforming your outdoor space is just a planting away.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.