The Flax's are Phormium New Zealand Flax and Phormium Maori garden. Phormium tenax, the taller of the 2 species, can reach 10 feet under ideal conditions. This flax has been here apparently for millions of years, and used to be grown and milled for its good fibre. Some think that it is related to the high UV light experienced in New Zealand. i have a 6 year old new zealand flax. The most common method of propagation is through division and fully rooted specimens are widely available at nursery centers. Other flax plants I've seen seem to have one large clump of leaves that spread out evenly around the sides. Phormium 'Platt's Black' (New Zealand Flax) £19.99 at Crocus . Particularly in the north of the […] Help My Flax are dying!! Phormium 'Bronze Baby' (New Zealand Flax) £17.99 at Crocus . Previous question « What does the Star Plant look like ? It has also played a pivotal role in the development of New Zealand’s human landscape. Next question. Particularly in the north of the […] Many plants in containers grow 1 to 4 ft. tall. Most New Zealand Flax plants average out between 2 and 5 ft. Sun Exposure . Hi all, I have a Phormium Tenax (New Zealand Flax) plant which has been doing well. One nurseryman comments that in a nursery situation, if trees are well watered, fertilised and flowers cut off, they stop dying. All of them seem to be falling over at the sides and I have no idea why. Next question. We all recognise the tall, green, sword-like leaves of flax that can be found growing throughout New Zealand. New Zealand Flax (PHORMIUM) can get by with little to regular watering. For centuries, ti rakau (cabbage trees) have been renowned for their remarkable ability to defy age and decay, and to virtually “live forever.” Although the old trunks might perish, there were always new sprouts to carry on the life of the tree; But now the cabbage trees are dying. How do I encourage my Montana Miss Christine to bush out and climb? We did our front yard (piccy's posted before) but some of my flaxs just killed over and died. For centuries, ti rakau (cabbage trees) have been renowned for their remarkable ability to defy age and decay, and to virtually “live forever.” Although the old trunks might perish, there were always new sprouts to carry on the life of the tree; But now the cabbage trees are dying. Rock climbers edging up the limestone bluffs at Payne’s Ford […] How to Grow New Zealand Flax. Get the latest News from New Zealand and the world. Rock climbers edging up the limestone bluffs at Payne’s Ford […] it has never flowered. New Zealand flax is a slow growing perennial plant. They named New Zealand flax Phormium tenax for its useful qualities – ‘phormium’ is derived from the Greek word for basket, while ‘tenax’ is Latin for strong. This flax has been here apparently for millions of years, and used to be grown and milled for its good fibre. - posted in Home, Garden & Renovating: Our garden is about 2years old and was flourishing until the start of Summer when it started to go downhill. Crown rot can be a problem if the plants are planted too low in poorly drained soil. Phormium the New Zealand Flax is a tough plant and is ideal for coastal conditions. With lofty flower stalks that stab the sky and leaves as broad as a waka paddle, flax, or harakeke, is one of our most striking native plants—a feature of wetland, coastline and hill country. Previous question « What does the Star Plant look like ? There are several theories regarding the rapid decline of cabbage trees. I have 4 New Zealand flax plants in my front garden. In fact, in hotter climates, your plant may do better with a little afternoon shade. It has also played a pivotal role in the development of New Zealand’s human landscape. Phormium 'Platt's Black' (New Zealand Flax) £19.99 at Crocus . Breaking news, entertainment, lifestyle, technology, sports, business from your trusted source Since you are growing your New Zealand Flax for its foliage, not its flowers, full sun is not crucial. Phormium 'Bronze Baby' (New Zealand Flax) £17.99 at Crocus . Most New Zealand Flax plants average out between 2 and 5 ft. : When I got it, about 5 months ago, the long, slender leaves stood upright and straight. How do I encourage my Montana Miss Christine to bush out and climb? You have a beautiful hedge that has lasted for almost half a decade now. I don't know why, but some of the leaves have begun to turn a bit brown and look like they are dying. Naming New Zealand flax. The mature size of your New Zealand Flax plant will depend on the variety and your growing conditions. It is still used today for Maori weaving.