Phormium tenax 'Atropurpureum'
New Zealand Flax, Purple
Description
Phormium tenax 'Atropurpureum' is an evergreen perennial. Big, dramatic plant composed of many swordlike, stiffly vertical leaves can reach 5' tall. Leaves are purple red. Flowers stems reach high above leaves, bearing clusters of 1"-2" blossoms in dark red.
Plant Type
Shrub
Height Range
6-12'
Flower Color
Red, Yellow
Flower Season
Summer
Leaf Color
Purple
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full, Half, Shade
Water
Medium
Growth Rate
Fast
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Poor
Soil pH
Neutral
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
Seascape, Tropical
Accenting Features
Specimen
Seasonal Interest
Summer, Fall
Location Uses
Background, Foundation, Patio
Special Uses
Container
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Water Saving Tip:
Consider replacing some lawn areas with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs.
Good candidates for removal are portions of large lawns, areas where no one uses the grass, patches that don't grow well, or spaces too small to water without overspray.