Search Utilities Plant Database Search by Plant Name Advanced Search Search by size, origins, color, cultural needs, etc. 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  2021 PLANTS PRIME LIST   for JANUARY  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 on this page is based on the research that we have conducted about this plant in the San Marcos Growers library, from what we have found on reliable online sources, as well as from observations made of our crops of this plant growing in the nursery and of plants growing in the nursery's garden and those in other gardens where we may have observed it. We also have incorporated comments received from others and welcome getting feedback from those who may have additional information, particularly if this information includes cultural information that would aid others in growing Phormium 'Tiny Tiger'.     [MORE INFO]