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Products > Phormium 'Jester'   Phormium 'Jester' - Fiesta New Zealand Flax     [2nd Image] Habit and Cultural Information Category: Perennial Family: Phormiaceae (~Xanthorrhoeaceae) Origin: New Zealand (Australasia) Evergreen: Yes Red/Purple Foliage: Yes Flower Color: NA Bloomtime: Infrequent Synonyms: [P. 'Emerald Pink', 'Emerald and Jade', 'Fiesta'] Height: 1-3 feet Width: Clumping Exposure: Cool Sun/Light Shade Seaside: Yes Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs Winter Hardiness: 15-20° F Phormium 'Jester' (New Zealand Flax) - New Zealand Flax cultivar that grows to only 18 inches tall with slightly arching 2- 3 feet long pinkish leaves that have an orange midrib and lime green bands near the leaf margins. 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. A very interesting color combination but seems weaker than most other cultivars - tends to revert to green. Other names for this cultivar include 'Emerald and Jade' , 'Emerald Pink', 'Redheart' and 'Fiesta'. This cultivar is thought to be a sport of Phormium 'Yellow Wave'. We discontinued growing 'Jester in the past because of its tendency to revert however we find its uniquely beautiful foliage color attractive and have put it back into production. A more upright and narrow leafed sport of 'Jester' was named 'Jubilee' and this plant was patented but it to suffered from the color reversin problem.  The information on this page is based on our library and online research as well as observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We have also incorporated comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have some additional information, in particular if this information is contrary to what we have written or includes additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Phormium 'Jester'.     [MORE INFO]