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Products > Phormium cookianum 'Tricolor'   Phormium cookianum 'Tricolor' - New Zealand Flax Note: This plant is not currently for sale. This is an archive page preserved for informational use.   [2nd Image] Habit and Cultural Information Category: Perennial Family: Phormiaceae (~Xanthorrhoeaceae) Origin: New Zealand (Australasia) Evergreen: Yes Yellow/Chartreuse Foliage: Yes Variegated Foliage: Yes Flower Color: Insignificant Bloomtime: Spring/Summer Synonyms: [P. colensoi 'Tricolor'] Height: 3-4 feet Width: 3-4 feet Exposure: Cool Sun/Light Shade Seaside: Yes Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs Winter Hardiness: 15-20° F Phormium cookianum 'Tricolor' (New Zealand Flax) - New Zealand Flax cultivar that grows to 4 feet tall by 6 feet wide with bold 2 1/2 inch wide arching leaves that have a broad central green band surrounded by yellow stripes and red margins. Plant in full sun to shade. It can tolerate fairly dry conditions (coastal) but looks best with occasional to regular irrigation. This cultivar is particularly noted as being tolerant of water-logged conditions. Hardy to 15-20 F. It is possibly root hardy below these temperatures but can suffer severe foliage damage unless protected. It has been a popular hybrid since it was popularized in New Zealand in the 1950's. It is stable. A sport of this plant is the similar cultivar 'Cream Delight' which has more cream, less green and the red edge is less pronounced. Phormium cookianum 'Tricolor' was discovered in 1888 on the banks of the Wainuiora River and is considered to be a cultivar of Phormium cookianum ssp. hookeri. This plant was sold as early as 1939 by Duncan and Davies Nursery.  This information about Phormium cookianum 'Tricolor' displayed is based on research conducted in our library and from reliable online resources. We will also note observations that we have made about it as it grows in the gardens in our nursery and those elsewhere, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others, and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing it.     [MORE INFO]