#SILVERSTACK FLAX PLANT HOW TO#
#SILVERSTACK FLAX PLANT FULL#

New Zealand flax plant care is easiest to manage in containers in northern climates. The flax thrives in poor soils, so fertilization is not necessary, but annual top dressings of finely rotted compost can help add nutrients to the soil and increase percolation. Cut off dead and damaged leaves as needed. Occasionally, pruning is necessary where damage has occurred due to sun or cold. Use a couple of inches (5 cm.) of organic mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture, prevent weeds, and insulate the rhizomes. (-6 C.), but all species can simply be moved indoors in fall to prevent damage. They require more water and some shelter from hot sunlight, which can burn the leaf tips. Hybrid flax plants are not as durable as the two base species. New Zealand flax plant care is minimal once plants are mature, but the flax may suffer damaged and shredded leaf tips in windy and exposed sites. It is easy to maintain, drought tolerant when established, and makes a good erosion control. New Zealand flax attracts birds and is not attractive to deer. If you expect a snap freeze in spring, grow flax plants under frost cloth. At temperatures above 100 degrees, flax decreases pollen production.

#SILVERSTACK FLAX PLANT FULL#

The flax tolerates partial sun but will perform better in full sun situations. Flax will grow and bloom in cool weather best but can withstand lows in the mid-20s, and highs in the 90s for brief periods. Boggy or heavy clay soils will reduce growth and can contribute to rotten stems and rhizomes. One of the main requirements this plant has is well-draining soil. The most common method of propagation is through division and fully rooted specimens are widely available at nursery centers. New Zealand flax is a slow growing perennial plant. New Zealand flax plants offer architectural interest but are not winter hardy and should be brought indoors for winter in most climates. New Zealand flax plant information indicates that tubular, showy flowers appear on erect stems but only in their native region and rarely in greenhouse care. They can be used as decorative plants in zones 9 to 11 with best growth in zone 8. Leaves are keel shaped, coming to a decided point. All parts of the plant were used with medicine made from roots, face powder from flower pollen, and old blooming stems roped together as rafts. This flax is named for its fibrous leaves, which were once used to make baskets and textiles. If plants are in warm enough regions, caring for New Zealand flax is a breeze with few insect or disease complaints and hardy establishment. There are even variegated flax for exciting foliar contrast. Cultivars exhibit red, yellow, green, burgundy, purple, maroon, and many more foliage colors. New Zealand flax plants have two main species in cultivation but numerous cultivars.

#SILVERSTACK FLAX PLANT HOW TO#

Once you know how to grow New Zealand flax, you may be rewarded with 6 to 10 foot (2-3 m.) wide plants with an amazing potential height of 20 feet (6 m.) in perfect conditions. Their fan-like form and easy growth from rhizomes are excellent accents in containers, perennial gardens, and even coastal regions. New Zealand flax plants are popular ornamentals in USDA zone 8.

New Zealand flax ( Phormium tenax) was once thought to be related to agave but has since been placed in the Phormium family.

Silverstack flax plant