Plant in full sun to light shade. Can tolerate fairly dry conditions (coastal) but looks best with occasional to regular irrigation. Cold hardy to 15-20° F and possibly root hardy below these temperatures but with severe foliage damage unless protected. A stunning and color stable large flax with red and pink highlights.

This cultivar was introduced by Mr. B. Haggo of Dawn Nurseries in Auckland, New Zealand. We think it is one of the best and the darkest red of the larger upright flax cultivars. Smaller and darker than 'Sundowner', more upright and redder than 'Maori Chief'. One of our favorites! 

The information about Phormium 'Guardsman' that is displayed on this web page is based on research conducted in our nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We will also include observations made about this plant as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens that we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We also incorporate comments that we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they share cultural information that aids others growing this plant.