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Phormium tenax 'Dusky Chief'

Dusky Chief New Zealand Flax

Plant photo of: Phormium tenax 'Dusky Chief'
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Description

New Zealand Flax is an excellent accent plant for the garden. Evergreen leaves are long, narrow, and grow upright. Clusters of flowers grow on spikes above the foliage in late spring and summer. 'Dusky Chief' will reach 3'-5' tall and wide. It has beautiful leaves 2"-3" wide with reddish leaves and gray undersides. This plant just glows when backlit. Tolerates coastal conditions.

 

Plant Type

Shrub

Height Range

3-6', 6-12'

Width Range

Flower Color

Red, Yellow

Flower Season

Summer

Leaf Color

Red

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Shade

Water

Low

Growth Rate

Fast, Moderate

Soil Type

Unparticular

Soil Condition

Average, Well-drained, Dry

Soil pH

Neutral

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Tropical

Accenting Features

Unusual Foliage

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Park, Parking Lot, Raised Planter, Roadside, Swimming Pool, Walls / Fences

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Erosion Control, Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Water Saving Tip:

Check your irrigation controller once a month, and adjust as necessary.

Most plants require only one-third as much water in winter as they do in summer.