Phormium Tenax "Rubra" 10Liters

Botanical Name: Phormium tenax ‘Rubra’
Common Names: Rubra New Zealand Flax, Red New Zealand Flax, Bronze New Zealand Flax, Dark Red Flax

Plant Type: Tenax
Species Group: Phormium tenax cultivar

📌 Product Description

Phormium tenax ‘Rubra’ is a bold evergreen ornamental foliage plant grown for its long, arching, sword-like leaves in deep shades of burgundy, bronze, and reddish-purple. Its rich colouring and strong upright habit make it an excellent architectural plant for adding year-round drama, texture, and contrast to the garden.

This striking tenax variety forms a large, dense clump and works beautifully in mixed borders, feature containers, modern landscapes, and coastal gardens. It combines especially well with grasses, succulents, silver foliage plants, and flowering perennials. Its hardy, wind-tolerant nature makes it a reliable choice for many South African garden settings.

Low maintenance and visually dramatic, Phormium tenax ‘Rubra’ is ideal for gardeners wanting a strong structural plant with bold foliage colour throughout the year.

📏 Size When Fully Grown

Height: 1.5–2.4 m
Spread: 1.2–2 m
Growth Habit: Upright, arching, clump-forming evergreen foliage plant
Growth Rate: Moderate

🌱 Best Growing Conditions

Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-draining soil; adaptable to sandy or loamy soils
Water:
• Water regularly during establishment
• Moderately drought tolerant once established
• Prefers even moisture but should not remain waterlogged

Feeding: Apply compost or a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring to support vigorous growth and strong foliage colour.

Maintenance:
• Remove old or damaged leaves at the base
• Very low maintenance once established
• Divide mature clumps when needed to manage size and rejuvenate growth

🌦️ Planting & Growing Season (South Africa)

Best Planting Time: Spring or early autumn
Active Growth: Spring and summer
Climate Suitability: Suitable for most mild to warm South African regions
Frost Tolerance: Tolerates light frost once established
Wind Tolerance: Very good, including coastal exposure

🌼 Additional Benefits

• Deep burgundy to bronze foliage
• Strong architectural form
• Excellent wind and coastal tolerance
• Low maintenance once established
• Superb feature plant for large containers and borders

🌿 Ideal Uses

✔ Feature container plant
✔ Mixed borders
✔ Coastal gardens
✔ Contemporary landscape design
✔ Water-wise gardens