Search Utilities Plant Database Search Plant Name Detail Search Search by size, origins, details, cultural needs Website Search Search for any word Site Map Retail Locator Plant Listings PLANT TYPE PLANT GEOGRAPHY PLANT INDEX ALL PLANT LIST PLANT IMAGE INDEX PLANT INTROS SPECIALTY CROPS NEW  2022 PLANTS PRIME LIST   for JULY  Weather Station

Products > Phormium 'Tiny Tiger'   Phormium 'Tiny Tiger' - Dwarf Variegated 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: Yellow Bloomtime: Spring/Summer Synonyms: [P. tenax 'Aurea Nana'] Height: 1-2 feet Width: 1-2 feet Exposure: Sun or Shade Seaside: Yes Deer Tolerant: Yes Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs Winter Hardiness: 15-20° F Phormium 'Tiny Tiger' (Dwarf Variegated New Zealand Flax) - A dwarf flax with upright spikey growth that reaches to only 12 inches tall and has relatively broad (in relation to length) leaves that are grey-green with the margins edged creamy-white. The variegation can flush pink at the base in cooler winter temperatures. Plant in full sun to light shade. It can tolerate fairly dry conditions (coastal) but looks best with occasional to regular irrigation. Hardy to 15-20 F. It is possibly root hardy below these temperatures but can suffer severe foliage damage unless protected. This plant is speculated to be a dimunitive form of Phormium tenax 'Variegatum' and has also been called Phormium tenax 'Aurea Nana'. Under these names it has has circulated in the US horticultural trade for many years but its origins are a bit of a mystery. Flowers are reported to be yellow but we have not seen this cultivar flower and if it is trully a sport of Phormium tenax 'Variegata' the flowers should be red. An attractive addition for massing or for a border planting. A sport of this plant that is slightly taller has been named 'Tony Tiger'.  The information presented on this page is based on research that we have conducted about this plant in our library and from reliable online sources. We also consider observations we have made of it growing in the nursery's garden and in other gardens we have visited, as well how it performs in our nursery crops out in the field. We will incorporate comments that we receive from others as well and welcome getting feedback from anyone who may have additional information, particularly if they have knowledge of cultural information that would aid others in growing Phormium 'Tiny Tiger'.     [MORE INFO]