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| Category: Perennial |
| Family: Phormiaceae (~Xanthorrhoeaceae) |
| Origin: New Zealand (Australasia) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Insignificant |
| Bloomtime: Spring/Summer |
| Height: 4-6 feet |
| Width: 3-4 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Seaside: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 15-20° F |
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Phormium 'Firebird' (New Zealand Flax) - A beautiful New Zealand Flax cultivar that grows a full 5-6 feet tall with upright stiff 2 inch wide rose-red leaves with bronze-green margins. Red tones fade to a bronze-orange in summer. Plant in full sun to light shade. Can tolerate fairly dry conditions (coastal) but looks best with occasional to regular irrigation. Hardy to 15-20 F. Possibly root hardy below these temperatures but with severe foliage damage unless protected. We have been growing this colored flax from flax hybridizer Margaret Jones since 1990. It is a stable clone that does not have the foliage reversion problem that plagues some of the other colorful flaxes but does benefit from the annual removal of older faded foliage to enhance the look of the beautiful new foliage. Introduced in 1982 by Ms. Margaret Jones of New Zealand Flax Hybridizers in Tauranga, New Zealand.
This description is based on research and observations of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in our nursery garden and in other gardens that we visit. We also incorporate comments received and appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Phormium 'Firebird'.
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