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Phormium cookianum 'Black Adder New Zealand Flax' is an ornamental grass-like plant with dramatic, dark purple to near-black, sword-shaped leaves. This striking foliage adds bold texture and color to landscapes, garden beds, and containers, making it a popular choice for both modern and traditional designs.
Description:
- Dimensions: Reaches a height of 3-4 feet and spreads 2-3 feet wide.
- Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight) but can tolerate part sun (4-6 hours of direct sunlight).
- Water Requirements: Requires moderate watering, particularly during dry periods. It prefers well-drained soil and should not be overwatered.
- Hardiness Zones: Hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
- Bloom Time: Rarely flowers in cultivation, but when it does, it produces tall stalks with tubular, red or yellow flowers in summer.
- Pruning: Remove dead or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking tidy and encourage new growth.
How to Plant:
- Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
- Soil Preparation: Phormium tolerates a wide range of soils but prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils.
- Planting: Dig a hole the same depth as the root ball and twice as wide. Place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Spacing: Space plants about 2-3 feet apart to allow for their spreading habit.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting, then regularly during establishment. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant.
Fun Fact:
Phormium cookianum 'Black Adder' is not only valued for its bold foliage but is also wind and salt-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for coastal gardens. Its fibers were traditionally used by the Māori people of New Zealand for weaving.