The New Zealand Flax grows sword shaped leaves from the base of the plant. The plant can reach a size of up to 3 meters in height, with the majority seen at 1 to 2 meters. They tend to reach around 1 meter in diameter. Colors can range from shades of green and yellow to pink, red and bronze.
The best location for this plant is full sun to partial shade. Bloom periods are around the middle of summer. While the plant is young, it will need some protection from harsh winds. When the plant has become established, it can tolerate most conditions. However, most potted versions of this plant will not cope well with frost.
You can also produce more plants from the parent by dividing the plants in spring. Be aware that the greatest threat to this plant is the common mealy bug. This is a difficult pest to remove from the long leaves, so it often becomes necessary to remove and destroy the entire plant.
Some examples of the variation of the flax include the "Bronze Baby" which has bronze foliage and grows to 1 meter wide and a bit less than 1 meter in height. This would be a great plant for containers. The "Sundowner" has green leaves with rosy-pink edges to the leaves. This will grow to about 1 meter in diameter and almost 2 meters in height. The "Jester" has bronze leaves with green striping and grows to about 1 meter in diameter and height.
I have personally had great success with the variations called "Thumberlina" and "Rainbow Queen". These have grown very well over the last two years. They were planted as a small 6 inch plant and are now well over 1 meter in height and diameter. I have only provided watering for the first few months and it has grown well ever since. A true low maintenance and great looking plant!
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