New Zealand Flax Phormium cookianum subsp. hookeri 'Cream Delight' (v)
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as 'Cream Delight' New Zealand Flax is a striking ornamental plant that features bold, sword-like leaves. The leaves exhibit a unique color palette, predominantly a light green with attractive creamy-white edges, giving them a variegated appearance. The plant's foliage forms an arching habit that creates a dramatic and elegant presence in any garden setting. The variegation in the leaves provides a bright and eye-catching contrast, which can easily become a focal point in a landscape. Over time, 'Cream Delight' may also develop tubular, somewhat inconspicuous flowers that add an additional element of interest to the plant's overall appearance. The flowers are usually not the main attraction but still contribute to the ornamental value of the plant.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asphodelaceae
Synonyms
Cream Delight New Zealand Flax, Variegated Mountain Flax
Common names
Phormium cookianum 'Cream Delight', Phormium colensoi 'Cream Delight', Phormium 'Cream Delight'.
ToxicityTo humans
New Zealand Flax is not known to be toxic to humans. However, precautions should be taken as individual allergies or skin reactions can occur when handling plants. It is always advisable not to ingest any plant material that is not confirmed to be safe.
To pets
New Zealand Flax is considered to be non-toxic to pets. Nonetheless, ingestion of the fibrous leaves can lead to physical discomfort, vomiting, or diarrhea due to the plant's tough texture and size, which pets may have difficulty digesting. Inquisitive pets should be monitored to prevent any potential obstructions or gastrointestinal upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Yellow
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Adds aesthetic value to gardens with its variegated, cream-striped, green leaves.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it requires minimal watering, making it suitable for drought-prone areas.
- Low Maintenance: Needs very little care beyond occasional trimming, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Coastal Resilience: Tolerates salty winds and can thrive in coastal environments.
- Erosion Control: Its root system can help stabilize slopes and prevent soil erosion.
- Habitat Support: Provides shelter and nesting material for birds.
- Architectural Structure: Can be used in garden design to provide strong visual lines and structural form.
- Year-Round Interest: Evergreen nature ensures that it remains attractive throughout the seasons.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- New Zealand Flax 'Cream Delight' can be used to create sturdy and decorative baskets. The strong leaves are ideal for weaving into various handicrafts.
- The fibers from New Zealand Flax can be used to make ropes or twines, which have traditionally been valued for their durability.
- New Zealand Flax leaves are sometimes used in floral arrangements or as part of bouquets for their striking form and variegated color.
- The plant can be planted as a natural barrier or windbreak in coastal areas, due to its resistance to strong winds and saline conditions.
- New Zealand Flax can be used in themed gardens to create dramatic accents, particularly in Mediterranean or seaside-inspired landscapes.
- In ponds or water features, the plant can provide shelter for aquatic wildlife and contribute to a balanced ecosystem.
- The rigid leaves can be used to make garden edging or to create informal fencing around vegetable patches or herb gardens.
- Dried New Zealand Flax leaves are sometimes used in craft projects, such as making paper or for decorative thatching on small garden structures.
- Landscapers may use the plant for erosion control on slopes or banks, as its roots help to stabilize the soil.
- The species can be incorporated into living sculptures or topiaries in creative garden displays for added texture and color contrast.
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- Strength and Durability: Often seen in plants with tough, fibrous leaves like Phormium cookianum, commonly known as New Zealand Flax, this symbolism reflects the plant's ability to withstand harsh conditions and strong winds, mirroring resilience in the face of adversity.
- Versatility: New Zealand Flax has been used by the Maori for various purposes, from clothing to fishing lines, symbolizing adaptability and resourcefulness in utilizing what's available.
- Connection to Tradition: Given its importance to Indigenous Maori culture, the New Zealand Flax symbolizes a strong link to cultural heritage and traditions passed down through generations.
WaterNew Zealand Flax 'Cream Delight' prefers consistent moisture but can tolerate some dry periods once established. Water the plant thoroughly, allowing water to penetrate the root zone. During the growing season in the spring and summer, aim to water once every week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions. In the fall and winter, reduce watering frequency to every two to three weeks or when the top inch of soil feels dry. Be cautious not to overwater, as New Zealand Flax does not like to sit in soggy soil.
LightNew Zealand Flax 'Cream Delight' thrives in a location with full sun to partial shade. It prefers at least six hours of sunlight a day for optimal growth and variegation. A spot that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade is ideal, particularly in hotter climates, to prevent leaf scorching.
TemperatureNew Zealand Flax 'Cream Delight' can handle a range of temperatures but prefers to be in an area where the temperature stays between 70-80°F. It can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F but frost can damage the leaves. Ideal growth conditions would be in a garden that doesn't experience extreme heat or cold, avoiding temperatures above 90°F and below 20°F.
PruningPruning of New Zealand Flax 'Cream Delight' is mainly to remove any damaged or dead leaves and to maintain its appearance. The best time for pruning is in the spring. You should cut the leaves back to the base of the plant as needed. Pruning is not required frequently; doing so annually or as required to remove damaged foliage is sufficient.
CleaningAs needed
SoilNew Zealand Flax 'Cream Delight' prefers well-draining soil with a mixture of loam, sand, and peat to maintain moisture without becoming waterlogged. A pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal for optimal growth, promoting good root development and foliage health.
RepottingNew Zealand Flax 'Cream Delight' generally requires repotting every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide room for root growth. It is best done in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Humidity & MistingNew Zealand Flax 'Cream Delight' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but performs best with moderate humidity. It does well in typical outdoor humidity conditions without the need for special adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun/partial shade and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cyclePhormium cookianum subsp. hookeri 'Cream Delight' (v), also known as New Zealand Flax 'Cream Delight', begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in suitable conditions; this typically requires moist soil and mild temperatures. Upon germination, the seedling develops a small rosette of variegated leaves, which elongate and thicken as the plant matures, establishing a strong root system. The flax grows vigorously, forming larger clumps and producing robust, strappy leaves that are cream and green, which can reach several feet in length. After a few years, the flax may send up tall flower stalks in late spring or summer, with tubular flowers that are attractive to birds and insects. These flowers are followed by the production of seed capsules, which upon ripening, release seeds to start a new generation. Over many years, older clumps may become crowded and can be divided in late winter or early spring to rejuvenate the plant and encourage new growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The New Zealand Flax 'Cream Delight' is best propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this plant. The ideal time for propagation is in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate through division, carefully dig up the parent plant, ensuring that you keep a good amount of root structure intact for each section. Use a sharp, sterilized knife to divide the root clump into sections, each with at least one growing point or fan of leaves. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were previously growing, and provide adequate water to maintain moist soil as they establish. Divisions should be spaced about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for mature growth. This method allows for quicker establishment and new plants will closely resemble the parent specimen, maintaining the variegated 'Cream Delight' characteristics.
