Phormium spp

How to Grow Flax

Often confused with Cordylines, Flax are grown mainly for their bold strappy foliage and pink to deep bronze colours. Flax is highly versatile and can grow well in swampy or dry conditions. Great for large pots as a

Full sun to part shade

Water well after planting. Requires little water once established

Can tolerate all soil types

Suitable for all climates except for cooler zones

How to grow flax in a garden

Step 1

Choose a place in the garden that gets full sun to part shade. Prepare the planting area well by digging in Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Step 2

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Form a raised or doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.

Step 4

Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the base of the plant.

Step 5

Feed in autumn and spring with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser to ensure strong root development.

How to grow flax in a pot

Step 1

Choose a pot that is at least twice the size of the selected plant. Position in the garden that receives full sun to half shade.

Step 2

Fill the pot with a quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 3

Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots.

Step 4

Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.

Step 5

Feed in autumn and spring with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser to ensure strong root development.

Growing tips

To keep the plant looking at its best, remove any of the older or damaged leaves.

This plant can be easily propagated through division in late autumn by carefully removing it from the ground or the pot and dividing into separate clumps with a spade.

Great for use in high pollution areas and around swimming pools or beach front properties.
Flax can tolerate some periods of drought but long periods of heat and lack of water can cause the tips of the leaves to brown and look tatty.
There are many cultivars available that offer a wide range of coloured foliage from bronze, red, pink to deep purple as well as charming variegated varieties.
Lovely feature plant for pots or bordered areas to create tall contrasting colour and texture up to 2.5 metres in height.