New Zealand flax is native to New Zealand and is a member of the daylily family (Asphodelaceae). The genus name is from the Greek for "mat." The species epithet means "holding tight" or "tough" in reference to the strong fibers extracted from the leaves (the source of the common name). It is an evergreen, clump-forming tender perennial that is grown for its attractive foliage, as well as its showy flowers. It grows in average, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. It dislikes excessive summer heat but is not reliably hardy below USDA Zone 9a. As such, it can be difficult to grow unless your site is just right. The variegated cultivars have the best color when grown in partial shade. New Zealand flax is a striking, large, architectural plant. Many cultivars with variously colored leaves are available. Some dwarf cultivars are also available. The variegated cultivars have purple, red, bronze, pink or cream stripes that run the length of the leaves. The flowers are held on erect panicles well above the foliage, although plants in containers rarely flower. It makes a good container plant, providing height and color contrast. Plants can be brought indoors or into a greenhouse for the winter. The flowers will attract hummingbirds. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: mealybugs and snails. Leaf spot may damage the foliage.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Rigid, sword-shaped, linear, bright green leaves (3 to 8 feet long) in erect clumps. Leaf margins and midribs are narrowly edged with red-orange. Leaves are creased down the middle and folded into a v-shape.
Flower color
Brown/Copper; Red/Burgundy
Flower value
Showy
Flower form
Panicle; Spike
Flower detail
Panicles of dark red flowers appear well above the foliage atop stout, rigid flowering spikes (to 12’ tall) in summer. Plants grown in containers arely flowers
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Origin
New Zeland
Wildlife value
Hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers.
Attracts
Hummingbirds
Play value
Colorful; Screening
Food & Medicine
Uses (ethnobotany)
The Māori use the fibers extracted from the leaves to weave mats and other articles.
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Patio
Landscape theme
Butterfly Garden; Children's Garden; Garden for the Blind; Pollinator Garden; Rain Garden; Shade Garden; Winter Garden