The ‘Sundowner’ New Zealand Flax (Phormium tenax ‘Sundowner’) is a striking, evergreen perennial prized for its bold, architectural form and vibrant foliage. Native to New Zealand, this cultivar is part of the flax family and features long, sword-like leaves that arch gracefully from the base. What sets the ‘Sundowner’ variety apart is its dramatic leaf coloration: a mix of bronze, pink, and green tones with subtle red margins, which can intensify with sun exposure. This makes it a popular choice in contemporary gardens, where it adds a tropical flair and strong year-round visual interest. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is tolerant of wind, coastal conditions, and even some drought once established.
In the landscape, the ‘Sundowner’ is often used as a focal point in garden beds, containers, or mass plantings. Its strong form contrasts beautifully with softer grasses, succulents, or flowering perennials. Although it rarely flowers in cultivation, when it does, it produces tall spikes with tubular red flowers that attract birds such as nectar-feeding tuis. Low-maintenance and deer-resistant, the ‘Sundowner’ is also valued for erosion control and as a hardy, versatile plant for difficult sites. Gardeners appreciate it not only for its resilience but also for the bold texture and color it brings to the garden throughout the seasons.
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.
