Phormium

Basic Information

Common Name: Phormium
Scientific Name: Phormium
Native Habitat: New Zealand and Norfolk Island

History / Discovery / Cultivator

The story of Phormium, often commonly known as New Zealand Flax, is deeply interwoven with the history of its native land and the ingenuity of its indigenous people, the Māori. Long before European arrival, Phormium was a cornerstone of Māori life and culture. The tough, fibrous leaves of various *Phormium* species, particularly *Phormium tenax* and *Phormium colensoi* (also known as *Phormium cookianum*), were processed into ‘harakeke’ fibre. This incredibly strong and versatile fibre was used for everything from intricate weaving of clothing, mats, and baskets to the creation of ropes, fishing nets, and even building materials. Different varieties were cultivated and managed by Māori for specific fibre qualities, showcasing an early form of plant selection and cultivation.The plant first came to the attention of Europeans during the voyages of Captain James Cook in the late 18th century. Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander, naturalists aboard Cook’s first voyage (1768-1771), collected specimens in New Zealand, recognizing the plant’s potential due to its remarkable fibre. Solander, in particular, noted its use by the Māori and its similarity in function to European flax, although botanically distinct – hence the common but misleading name “New Zealand Flax”. The scientific name *Phormium* was later established, derived from the Greek word ‘phormos’, meaning ‘basket’, referencing its traditional use.Attempts were made early on to establish a fibre industry using Phormium in Europe and other colonies, but these ventures often struggled due to the complexities of processing the fibre on a large scale compared to traditional flax or hemp, as well as competition from other natural fibres like jute and sisal. However, the plant’s striking architectural form and resilience began to gain appreciation in horticulture.In the late 19th and 20th centuries, plant breeders and horticulturists started developing cultivars specifically for ornamental purposes. This led to the explosion in popularity of Phormium in gardens worldwide, valued not just for the green or bronze foliage of the wild types, but for an astonishing array of colours – reds, pinks, purples, yellows, variegations – and sizes, from dwarf varieties suitable for pots to large specimens for landscape drama. Notable nurseries and breeders in New Zealand and Europe played a significant role in introducing these cultivars to the global market. Today, while still retaining cultural importance in New Zealand, Phormium is primarily celebrated internationally as a versatile, low-maintenance, and visually impactful ornamental plant, a testament to its fascinating journey from a vital resource to a global garden favourite.

Plant Care Summary

Category	General Requirement	Notes
Light	Full sun to partial shade	Best colour in sun, tolerates some shade but may become greener and less upright.
Water	Moderate / Drought tolerant	Water regularly until established. Drought tolerant once mature but performs best with consistent moisture, especially in hot/dry conditions. Avoid waterlogged soil.
Humidity	Adaptable	Not particularly sensitive to humidity levels.
Temp. Range	Hardy to -5°C (23°F)	Varies by species/cultivar. Some are more cold-hardy. Protect from severe frost, especially younger plants. Tolerates heat well.
Soil Type	Well-drained	Adaptable to most soil types (loam, sand, clay) provided drainage is excellent. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Fertilizer	Low	Generally low feeding needs. A light application of balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient, especially for container plants.
Toxicity	Non-toxic / Mildly toxic	Generally considered non-toxic or mildly toxic if ingested. May cause mild digestive upset or contact irritation in sensitive individuals or pets. The fibrous leaves are not readily digestible.

Botanical Insights

Adaptations

Phormium species exhibit several notable adaptations that contribute to their resilience and survival in their diverse native New Zealand habitats, which range from coastal cliffs and sand dunes to swamps and alpine areas. Their most striking adaptation is their tough, strap-like leaves. These leaves contain strong vascular bundles reinforced by sclerenchyma fibres (the harakeke fibre), providing remarkable structural integrity. This prevents the leaves from being easily damaged by wind and provides rigidity, allowing them to remain upright and capture sunlight efficiently. The plant grows from a rhizomatous root system, a thick, underground stem that stores energy and allows the plant to spread horizontally. This structure aids in vegetative propagation and enables the plant to survive harsh conditions like drought or wind erosion, readily sending up new shoots from the rhizome. Phormium also possesses a waxy cuticle on its leaves, which helps reduce water loss through transpiration, a useful adaptation in exposed or dry environments. Their ability to tolerate a range of soil conditions, including nutrient-poor or saline soils found in coastal areas, further highlights their adaptability.

Propagation Methods

The most common and effective method for propagating *Phormium* is by division. This involves carefully digging up a mature clump and separating it into smaller sections using a sharp spade or knife. Each section should have a portion of the rhizome and healthy roots, along with a fan of leaves. Division is best performed in spring or early autumn when the plant is actively growing but not under extreme heat or cold stress. The separated sections can then be replanted directly into the ground or containers. While seed propagation is possible, especially for species, it is less common horticulturally, particularly for named cultivars, as seedlings may not inherit the parent plant’s specific characteristics (like foliage colour or variegation). Seed germination can be slow and variable. Division is the preferred method for maintaining clonal integrity and establishing new plants quickly.

Toxicology

*Phormium* is generally regarded as having low toxicity to humans and common household pets like cats and dogs. If ingested, the plant’s primary impact is mechanical due to the tough, fibrous nature of the leaves, which are not easily digestible. This can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, if consumed in significant quantities. Some individuals, both human and animal, might experience mild contact dermatitis from handling the leaves due to sap or surface irritants, although this is uncommon. Compared to plants with potent chemical toxins affecting the nervous system or organs, *Phormium*’s risk profile is very low, posing little threat beyond potential mild irritation or digestive disturbance.

Common Problems

Pests:

• Mealybugs (especially in sheltered locations or containers)
• Scale insects
• Slugs and snails (primarily targeting young, tender growth)

Diseases:

• Root rot (caused by poor drainage and excessive watering)
• Leaf spots (fungal, less common but can occur in humid, poorly ventilated conditions)

Other:

• Leaf browning or crisping (often caused by underwatering, severe windburn, or frost damage)
• Yellowing leaves (can be a sign of overwatering leading to poor root health, or nutrient deficiency)
• Lack of vigour / Stunted growth (often due to poor drainage, insufficient light, or nutrient poor soil without supplemental feeding)

Rarity & Value

Rarity:

The *Phormium* species themselves (*P. tenax* and *P. colensoi*) are not considered rare in their native habitat and are widely available horticulturally. Rarity in *Phormium* typically applies to specific cultivars. Some cultivars may be less common due to slower growth rates, difficulty in propagation (especially highly variegated forms), lower production numbers, or being newer introductions to the market. Unique or stable variegation patterns, dwarf habits, or particularly striking foliage colours can contribute to a cultivar’s perceived rarity among collectors and enthusiasts. Older heritage cultivars might also become less common as newer varieties are introduced, although many popular ones remain widely grown.

Value:

The market value of a *Phormium* specimen is influenced by several factors, with the specific cultivar being the most significant. Common green or bronze species types are generally the least expensive. Cultivars with unusual or vibrant colours (reds, pinks, purples, yellows) or attractive variegation patterns typically command higher prices, with the rarity and stability of the variegation directly impacting value. Size and maturity are also major factors; larger, more established plants are significantly more valuable than small seedlings or divisions due to the time required to reach size. The overall health, condition, and form of the plant also play a role. Current horticultural trends and demand can also influence the price of certain popular cultivars. Provenance (where the plant was sourced) is less often a factor for *Phormium* compared to some other collector plants, unless dealing with very specific, rare cultivars or wild-collected specimens (which are less common in trade).