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Products > Phormium 'Surfer'
 
Phormium 'Surfer' - New Zealand Flax

Note: This plant is no longer in stock. This is an archive page preserved for informational use.  
Image of Phormium 'Surfer'
[2nd Image]
Habit and Cultural Information
Category: Perennial
Family: Phormiaceae (~Xanthorrhoeaceae)
Origin: New Zealand (Australasia)
Evergreen: Yes
Red/Purple Foliage: Yes
Flower Color: Insignificant
Bloomtime: Spring/Summer
Height: 2-3 feet
Width: 1-2 feet
Exposure: Sun or Shade
Seaside: Yes
Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs
Winter Hardiness: 15-20° F
Phormium 'Surfer' (New Zealand Flax) - New Zealand Flax cultivar that grows to 3-4 feet tall with narrow twisted erect leaves that are olive green with dark red-brown leaf margins and a keeled mid-rib. 'Surfer' has flowered repeatedly in our gardens and has a 3-4 foot tall narrow inflorescence bearing red flowers. 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. Introduced by Mr. J. Burton of Hamilton, New Zealand. Although originally listed as a 2-3 foot tall plant we have noted it in several plantings here in Santa Barbara reaching to 4 feet tall. This plant has been likened to a large Phormium 'Tom Thumb' or 'Jack Spratt' and, while it is similar, it is unique. 'Surfer' is taller than these smaller flax and with its wider foliage it significantly shows off the bicolored green and brown leaves that twist along their length in a wave like fashion. 

The information displayed on this page about Phormium 'Surfer' is based on the research we have conducted about it in our nursery library as well as from information provided by reliable online resources. We also include our own observations made about this plant as it grows in the nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how the crops of this plant have performed in the containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we have received from others and welcome hearing from anyone with information about this plant, particularly if it includes cultural information that will aid others to better grow it.

 
San Marcos Growers, established in 1979, closed for regular business on December 23rd 2025 as the property will be developed for affordable housing.
The gates are closed but we will be open by appointment only as we liquidate remaining plants, supplies and equipment. Our remaining plants are listed on our Live Inventory Page.
 
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