Purple New Zealand Flax

The Purple New Zealand Flax, scientifically known as Phormium tenax ‘Purpureum’ (or other purple-leaved cultivars of Phormium tenax), is a striking and highly architectural evergreen perennial. This bold plant is a cultivar of the New Zealand Flax, which is native to the coastlines and wetlands of New Zealand, thriving in a wide range of climates from temperate to subtropical, and adapting to various well-drained to consistently moist soils. In the landscape of Phoenix, Arizona, Purple New Zealand Flax is a popular choice for its dramatic color and upright form, performing best with some afternoon shade and regular irrigation during the intense summer heat. As a long-lived perennial, it can easily persist for many decades, often 20-50 years or more, forming a substantial and enduring focal point.

Its most distinctive characteristic is its clump-forming habit of stiff, upright, sword-shaped leaves that emerge from a central base, creating a strong vertical accent. The foliage is a mesmerizing deep reddish-purple to bronze-purple color, intensifying in full sun, especially in cooler weather, providing year-round dramatic contrast in the landscape. These long, strap-like leaves can reach impressive lengths of 3-6 feet or more, with some cultivars growing even taller. While primarily grown for its vibrant foliage, mature plants may occasionally produce tall, branched flower stalks, typically soaring 6-10 feet high, topped with clusters of reddish-orange to yellow-green tubular flowers. These blooms are attractive to nectar-feeding birds. Its bold form, dramatic year-round color, and relatively low maintenance (aside from removing old leaves or occasional division) make the Purple New Zealand Flax an excellent choice for modern landscapes, xeriscapes (with supplemental water in extreme heat), large containers, borders, and as a strong vertical accent or focal point. In Phoenix, Arizona, it adds a touch of architectural elegance and contrasting color to desert-adapted designs, particularly when sited to receive some relief from the harshest sun. Sources