New Zealand Flax Phormium 'Maori Queen' (v)
ABOUT
Phormium 'Maori Queen', commonly known as New Zealand Flax, is a striking ornamental plant with bold foliage that creates a dramatic presence in any garden. Its leaves are long, sword-shaped, and arching, featuring a captivating array of colors. The foliage displays a stunning blend of dark green and bronze, with the most remarkable feature being its distinctive, rose-pink margins that can catch the light and add a bright contrast to the darker tones. The leaves emerge from a central base, much like a fountain, giving the plant a lush and full appearance. They have a leathery texture, contributing to the plant's robust and architectural form. New Zealand Flax produces tall flower spikes that rise above the foliage, bearing tubular flowers, although the primary ornamental value of 'Maori Queen' lies in its vibrant and colorful foliage. The overall visual effect of Phormium 'Maori Queen' is one of exotic beauty with its strong variegation and the play of colors within its leaves. The plant's unique coloration and texture make it a focal point in various garden settings, pairing well with both contemporary and traditional landscapes. It is a versatile plant that can bring an element of structural sophistication to garden beds, borders, or as a specimen in a container.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
New Zealand Flax, Maori Queen Flax
Common names
Phormium 'Maori Queen'
ToxicityTo humans
New Zealand Flax is not known to be toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, it can cause irritation or an allergic reaction in some individuals when they come into contact with the sap or leaves.
To pets
New Zealand Flax is not considered toxic to pets. However, its long, blade-like leaves can cause physical injury or gastrointestinal obstruction if ingested in large quantities. Always monitor your pets around plants and seek veterinary attention if you notice symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual behavior after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
Varies
Height
5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8-11
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits- Drought tolerance - Phormium 'Maori Queen' is highly resilient to periods of low water, making it suitable for drought-prone gardens.
- Architectural interest - With its bold foliage and strong form, it adds structural interest to the landscape.
- Easy maintenance - This plant requires minimal care once established, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners.
- Year-round interest - Its evergreen leaves provide color and texture throughout all seasons.
- Deer resistance - It's less likely to be eaten by deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer are a common garden nuisance.
- Versatility in landscaping - It can be used for a variety of garden settings, including borders, containers, and mass plantings.
- Coastal tolerance - Phormium 'Maori Queen' can withstand salty winds and sprays, ideal for coastal gardens.
- Attracts wildlife - Its flowers can attract nectar-feeding birds, adding to garden biodiversity.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The fibrous leaves of the New Zealand Flax can be used for weaving baskets, mats, and other traditional crafts.
- The long, sword-like foliage can be incorporated into floral arrangements for a dramatic effect, providing an exclamation point to a bouquet.
- Dried New Zealand Flax leaves can be made into paper, offering a textural and eco-friendly option for handmade cards and other paper crafts.
- The natural stiffness of the leaves allows them to be used as a part of outdoor art installations, adding both color and structure to the design.
- New Zealand Flax can act as a windbreak when planted in groups, shielding smaller plants from strong winds.
- The plant can serve as habitat and breeding ground for certain species of birds who may use the leaves to construct their nests.
- The plant's bold foliage provides cover for small wildlife, creating a micro-habitat in gardens and cultivated landscapes.
- The robust root system can help with soil stabilization on slopes or areas prone to erosion.
- New Zealand Flax can be planted in containers as a focal or architectural feature on patios and in courtyard gardens, where space is limited.
- When planted in mass, the contrasting colors and textures of New Zealand Flax can create a visually appealing living screen for privacy.
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 conditions, symbolizing the ability to endure and thrive in adversity.
- Adaptability: As a plant that can grow in varied environments, the New Zealand Flax represents flexibility and the capacity to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Strength: With its rigid, upright leaves, New Zealand Flax is often seen as a symbol of strength and steadfastness.
- Beauty: The 'Maori Queen' variety, with its striking foliage, represents beauty and the appreciation of unique characteristics.
- Cultural significance: Given its importance to the Māori people of New Zealand, who use it for weaving and other traditional crafts, this plant also symbolizes cultural heritage and artistry.
WaterNew Zealand Flax needs regular watering to maintain its vibrant appearance, but it should not be overwatered. Typically, it is best to water deeply every one to two weeks, providing about one gallon of water per plant. During the hottest part of the summer or in particularly dry climates, the frequency might increase to once a week. It’s important to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. The plant requires less water during the cool winter months, and it’s optimal to reduce watering frequency to accommodate the plant’s slower growth.
LightNew Zealand Flax thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, though it can tolerate some light afternoon shade. The best spot would be an area where the morning sun can encourage growth and vibrant leaf color, while partial afternoon shade can protect it from the intense heat of the day.
TemperatureNew Zealand Flax can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in temperatures between 65°F and 80°F. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to about 20°F, making it fairly cold-hardy. Although it can survive in hotter conditions, prolonged exposure to temperatures over 90°F may stress the plant. It's recommended to provide some afternoon shade if temperatures frequently exceed this range to maintain the health of the plant.
PruningPruning New Zealand Flax is necessary to remove any damaged or dead foliage and to maintain its attractive shape. The best time to prune is in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back any old leaves that are damaged or looking untidy, and remove any spent flower stalks. Pruning can be done annually or biannually, depending on the plant's needs and the desired appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilNew Zealand Flax 'Maori Queen' prefers well-draining soil with a mix of loam, sand, and peat contributing to slight acidity to neutral pH, ideally between 5.5 and 7.5. Incorporate organic matter to enrich the soil and improve drainage.
RepottingNew Zealand Flax 'Maori Queen' should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide more room for root growth, increasing pot size if needed.
Humidity & MistingNew Zealand Flax 'Maori Queen' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity conditions, making it quite adaptable to different environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place New Zealand Flax in bright, indirect light with good airflow.
Outdoor
Plant New Zealand Flax in sun to partial shade, shelter from winds.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cyclePhormium 'Maori Queen', commonly known as New Zealand Flax, begins its life as a seed, which when sown in well-drained soil and with proper warmth, will germinate. The seedling stage is characterized by the emergence of the primary shoot and roots. As the plant enters the vegetative growth stage, it develops long, sword-like leaves that display a blend of colors, including pink, bronze, and green. Over time, the plant matures and can produce dramatic flower spikes that can reach up to 2-4 meters in height, which are attractive to birds and insects. Once pollinated, the flowers produce capsules containing seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. After several years, the plant may eventually die, but it can also produce offsets or "pups" at its base, allowing vegetative propagation and the continuation of its lifecycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Phormium 'Maori Queen', also known as New Zealand Flax, is typically propagated through division, which is best done in the spring. To propagate through division, carefully dig up the clump when the plant is not in active growth, and use a sharp knife or spade to divide the root ball into sections, ensuring that each section has at least one growing point. These divisions can then be replanted at the same depth they were growing previously and watered thoroughly. The soil should be well-draining, and the divisions should be spaced appropriately to allow for mature growth. This method allows a quick and effective way to create new plants that are genetically identical to the mother plant and will grow to exhibit the same beautiful foliage and form.
