• Potted Phormium Tricolour on a wooden surface with scissors in the background
  • Close-up of a Phormium Tricolour with green and yellow striped leaves
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Phormium Tricolor

Phormium Tricolor

Tricolor Flax, Variegated NZ Flax Plant

$20.00
$20.00
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Phormium ‘Tricolor’ is a striking evergreen New Zealand flax admired for its elegant cream and green variegated foliage finished with a distinctive red edge. This colourful combination creates year-round interest and makes ‘Tricolor’ one of the most versatile and eye-catching flax varieties for modern and traditional garden designs.

Its arching sword-like leaves feature soft green centres highlighted with creamy margins and a fine red border that becomes especially vivid in bright conditions. The combination of colours creates movement and contrast while maintaining the strong architectural shape that NZ flax plants are known for.

Naturally forming a graceful upright clump, Phormium ‘Tricolor’ works beautifully as a feature plant, in mixed borders, mass planting, coastal gardens and large containers. Mature plants may produce tall summer flower spikes carrying nectar-rich blooms that attract tūī and other native birds.

Hardy, low maintenance and exceptionally adaptable, this colourful flax thrives in a wide range of New Zealand conditions and delivers structure and colour in every season.

  • Expected 5 Year Height 1.2 M Width 1.2 M

Is Phormium Tricolor suitable for my garden?

Phormium Tricolor is best suited in a position that gets

  • Partial shade
  • Full sun
  • Shade

Phormium Tricolor is

  • Wind Tolerant
  • Frost Tolerant
  • Coastal Friendly
  • Drought resistant
  • Fast-growing
  • Cold hardy
  • Evergreen
  • NZ Native

Phormium Tricolor will thrive in soil that is

  • Clay
  • Sandy
  • Normal
  • Free draining

How to establish your Phormium Tricolor?

Position
Plant in full sun to partial shade. Full sun enhances the cream variegation and helps intensify the red leaf margins.

Soil
Adaptable to most soil conditions provided drainage is adequate. Performs particularly well in fertile, free-draining soils.

Watering
Water regularly while establishing. Once established, Phormium ‘Tricolor’ is drought tolerant and generally requires minimal watering.

Feeding
Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring to encourage fresh foliage and maintain strong leaf colour.

Spacing
Allow approximately 1–1.5m between plants depending on the desired planting effect and mature spread.

How to maintain your Phormium Tricolor once established?

Very low maintenance once established. Remove damaged or ageing leaves from the base to keep the plant looking fresh and tidy.

Cut flower stems back after flowering. Older clumps can be divided every few years if required to rejuvenate growth or create additional plants.
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