'Apricot Queen' is a slightly arching 3-5(6) feet tall plant with twisting 1 1/2" wide pale yellow leaves with green margins. The plant is described in literature as having new growth that is flushed with an apricot tone, thus giving this plant its name. We have found however that in cultivation in the California, the leaves usually emerge yellow and sometimes will flush an apricot color in fall. This cultivar maintains its variegated foliage color very well, rarely having solid green leaves.

The Phormium 'Apricot Queen' shown above is growing with Rosa 'Happenstance' in nearly full day sun next to the Sales office at San Marcos Growers. It was planted in this location 7 years prior to when this picture was taken and is only 4 feet tall. Another planting of Phormium 'Apricot Queen was planted in a shadier part of the garden at around the same time and it exceeds 6 feet in height.

This plant's versatility is further shown by its use in a water garden in our own gardens and in a hanging basket at Roger's Nursery in Newport Beach.

More New Zealand Flax in the garden