Purple New Zealand Flax (Phormium tenax 'Purpureum') is a bold, architectural plant admired for its upright, sword-like leaves in deep shades of burgundy to dark purple. Native to New Zealand, this ornamental flax adds striking texture and color contrast to landscapes, containers, and modern garden designs. The dramatic foliage remains evergreen in mild climates and provides year-round visual interest, especially when paired with softer, low-growing plants. In summer, tall flower stalks may emerge, bearing tubular reddish blooms that attract hummingbirds and pollinators.
This tough, low-maintenance plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and is highly adaptable to a variety of soil types, as long as they are well-drained. Purple New Zealand Flax is drought-tolerant once established and withstands coastal conditions, wind, and moderate frost, making it an excellent choice for both urban and coastal gardens. It works well as a specimen plant, in mixed borders, or in containers for patios and entryways. With its striking foliage and resilience, this plant offers both beauty and durability for year-round impact.
Stop into any of our locations and allow one of our expertly trained nursery professionals to help you with your landscape design and show you how to incorporate beautiful plants like these into your yard.
"The color on these is amazing and really pop against the other green plants in our landscape. The team at Moon Valley did a great job getting our package planted and our designer Ryan picked the perfect spots for these plants."