New Zealand Flax Margaret Jones

A smaller, hybrid New Zealand flax with a rich, variegated colour, Phormium Margaret Jones is a medium-sized, fast-growing, evergreen perennial with a clump-forming, upright habit. The beautiful, glossy, strap-shaped leaves are longitudinally striped, rust-red in the centre and a subtle bronze along the sides, and arch over at the tips; the colour becomes browner in winter. Purple-tinged green flowers appear on long stems above the foliage in late summer, turning red at maturity; these flowers attract pollinators and some birds. Best in milder climates, New Zealand flax Margaret Jones is drought-tolerant once established, but the foliage looks better with regular watering. In colder climates it can be grown in gritty soil-based compost in a large pot, and brought in for the winter.

Site: Tolerates exposure, including coastal exposure
Soil: Any fertile, very well-drained soil
Position: Full sun; tolerates partial shade
Season of interest: All year, late summer in particular
Hardiness: Hardy to -5ºC
Height: 3’ (90cm) Spread: 2’7” (80cm)

Photo by cultivar413, cropped, and licensed under CC BY 2.0.