New Zealand Flax Phormium 'Firebird'
ABOUT
The Phormium 'Firebird', commonly known as New Zealand flax, is a striking ornamental plant known for its bold and vibrant appearance. Its most prominent feature is the dramatic foliage, which consists of long, sword-shaped leaves that arise from the base of the plant in a fan-like display. The leaves are particularly noted for their rich coloration, displaying a vibrant mix of deep bronze and red hues with occasional streaks of orange or yellow, giving the plant its fiery name. The colors tend to be more intense when the leaves are exposed to full sunlight. Distinctive for their architectural form, the leaves of New Zealand flax are stiff and upright, with a tendency to arch gracefully at the tips, contributing to the plant's overall texture and movement. The leaves’ edges are sometimes finely serrated, which adds to their visual interest. During certain times of the year, the Phormium 'Firebird' may produce clusters of tubular flowers on long, erect stems that rise above the foliage. These flowers often attract birds and come in shades that may complement the fiery tones of the leaves. The overall aspect of New Zealand flax is one of exotic allure and robustness, making it a popular choice for gardeners who wish to add a touch of the dramatic to their landscapes. Its foliage can provide a striking contrast when paired with plants that have softer, greener foliage, and it can serve as an excellent backdrop for flowering plants. The vivid coloration and distinct form of the New Zealand flax 'Firebird' help to create a focal point in any setting where it is planted.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asphodelaceae
Synonyms
New Zealand Flax, Flax Lily, Linen Flax, Mountain Flax
Common names
Phormium tenax 'Firebird', Phormium 'Firebird'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Mixed
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds striking foliage color and architectural form to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Adapts well to dry conditions once established, requiring minimal watering.
- Low Maintenance: Requires little care beyond occasional trimming of spent leaves or flowers.
- Pest Resistance: Generally resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Long-Living: Typically a hardy and long-lived plant, providing many years of enjoyment.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Suitable for a variety of landscaping uses, from borders to container planting.
- Tolerant of Coastal Conditions: Can withstand the salty and windy conditions often found in coastal areas.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Textile Fiber: The leaves of Phormium 'Firebird', or New Zealand Flax, can be harvested for their strong fibers, which are traditionally used in weaving baskets, mats, and even textiles.
- Water Treatment: The dense root system of New Zealand Flax is sometimes used in constructed wetlands for treating wastewater, as the plants help in filtering and absorbing pollutants.
- Erosion Control: Because of its robust root system, New Zealand Flax is often planted to help prevent soil erosion on slopes and riverbanks.
- Architectural Accent: With its dramatic foliage, New Zealand Flax is frequently used in landscape design as a focal point or architectural accent in gardens.
- Windbreaks: The tough and resistant nature of New Zealand Flax makes it useful for creating windbreaks to protect more delicate plants in garden settings.
- Privacy Screens: Its height and dense growth habit enable New Zealand Flax to act as a natural privacy screen for patios and garden areas.
- Dye Production: Historically, the Maori have used the New Zealand Flax to create natural dyes for coloring their textiles and crafts.
- Rainwater Harvesting: The broad leaves of New Zealand Flax are capable of capturing rainwater, directing it to the base of the plant, where it can be collected and used.
- Cultural Significance: In Maori culture, different parts of the New Zealand Flax plant are used in ceremonies and as symbols of status and authority.
- Bioengineering Projects: Phormium 'Firebird' is suitable for bioengineering purposes, such as living structures or in combination with geotextiles for stabilizing landscapes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe New Zealand Flax is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe New Zealand Flax is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Phormium, commonly known as New Zealand Flax, is a robust plant that can withstand tough environmental conditions. Its hardiness makes it a symbol for resilience and the ability to endure challenging situations.
- Adaptability: Because New Zealand Flax can thrive in a variety of soil types and climates, it represents adaptability and versatility in life, showing an ability to prosper in diverse situations.
- Beauty and Strength: The 'Firebird' cultivar, with its striking red foliage, symbolizes a blend of beauty and strength. It represents the idea that something can be both aesthetically pleasing and physically robust.
- Transformation: As 'Firebird' suggests imagery of rising from the ashes, the plant is often associated with transformation and new beginnings, similar to the phoenix in mythology.
WaterNew Zealand Flax, commonly known as Phormium 'Firebird', prefers consistent moisture but does not like to be waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant thoroughly once every week, providing about 1 gallon of water per application to ensure the soil is moist but not saturated. In winter, reduce watering to every other week, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. If the plant is situated in a particularly hot, dry climate, increase the frequency slightly. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to avoid overwatering.
LightNew Zealand Flax thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should be positioned in a spot where it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, but it can also tolerate some light shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this can lead to poor foliage color and reduced vigor.
TemperatureNew Zealand Flax is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, but it performs best in conditions between 50°F and 75°F. It can withstand temperatures down to about 20°F but may suffer damage in colder climates. Ideally, it should be protected from extreme cold, particularly when temperatures dip below freezing.
PruningPrune New Zealand Flax to remove any damaged or dead leaves and to maintain its shape. Pruning is best done in the spring before new growth starts. Cutting back the foliage every few years encourages vigorous growth and rejuvenates the plant. Remove old flower stalks after blooming to keep the plant looking tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilNew Zealand Flax 'Firebird' prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.5 and 7.0. The ideal soil mix should contain loamy soil, peat, and coarse sand to ensure appropriate drainage and aeration. Organic matter like compost can also be added to enrich the soil.
RepottingNew Zealand Flax 'Firebird' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current container. It's best repotted in spring or early summer, giving the plant time to establish in the new pot before the cooler weather.
Humidity & MistingNew Zealand Flax 'Firebird' is tolerant of various humidity levels and does well in average indoor humidity. Aim for a range of 40-50% for optimal growth conditions, avoiding environments that are overly dry or excessively humid.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place New Zealand Flax 'Firebird' in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Situate New Zealand Flax 'Firebird' in full sun to partial shade outside.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycle'Firebird' New Zealand Flax (Phormium 'Firebird') begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in warm, moist soil; typically, however, it is propagated via division. The germinated seedlings then grow into juvenile plants with a small rosette of leaves. As the plant matures, it forms a larger clump of sturdy, upright, sword-like leaves that may showcase variegated colors of red, bronze, and green. During the summer, mature flaxes may send up tall flower spikes that are attractive to birds and insects, and after pollination, seed pods develop on these spikes. Over time, 'Firebird' will produce offsets or pups that can be divided from the parent plant to propagate new plants. The plant is perennial, and once it reaches maturity, it will continue through a cycle of flowering and seed production annually, with older foliage dying back to be replaced by new growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Phormium 'Firebird', more commonly known as New Zealand Flax or Firebird Flax, is generally propagated through division, a method best done in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and use a sharp, clean knife or spade to divide the clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has at least one growing point or fan of leaves attached to a portion of the root system. These divisions should then be replanted in a suitable potting mix or directly into the ground, maintaining the same depth at which the original plant was growing. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish the root system. It is important to allow the cut surfaces to dry for a day before planting to prevent rot.
