skip to main content

California Gardening

New Zealand flax question

firefightrsflame

16 years ago

We planted a few of the New Zealand flax along our back yard (north wall). It gets full sun. However, a few do not look like they're doing well. They're currently next to australian tree ferns so, I am wondering if they're getting over watered. Husband has them on a drip, but the fern has a high mister that may be getting to them. How much water do they really require? The other question I had was are they alright to plant along a bed where I will have dogs? Don't have dogs yet, don't plan to have chewing dogs, however we have a very long bed on the dog run side of the house that needs plants. I love flax so I thought maybe that would work out. Thanks for any tips. -- Terra

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

wanda
16 years ago
I sounds to me like they may be getting overwatered. If you can easily pull off some of the blades you can check for rotting.

I haven't heard of there being any toxicity to dogs.
firefightrsflame
Original Author
16 years ago
Wanda, thank you! That was my first thought because of the australian tree fern. Seems the two facing the fern are slowly not doing well, and the other two opposing the fern are doing fine. Just thought I'd take it to some non-newbie gardeners first!

I will get out there today and look for the rotting. Though, he's never mentioned seeing anything.

YEY on the dog thing. I was hoping that the flax would be alright. Wanted shrubs over there initially, but can't seem to find one that is safe enough for dogs. Too risky to animal and plant for me.

Thanks again, Terra
Related Discussions
Phormium (New Zealand Flax)
Q
Comments (9)
Jocque, No leaf die back. These are evergreen plants through winter here. Putting them in your cellar is a good idea to over-winter in your zone 5 area, however they'll need decent light. Like most other things during this time, reduce watering. Criag W, Not all of Nanaimo is 8b. Here, terrain plays an important part as well as proximity to the ocean. Some areas such as Departure Bay, Hammond Bay, Stevenson Pt., Downtown waterfront, Protection Island etc are reliably zone 8b. Many other areas can on occasion, experience an 8a winter. These periodic 8a regions can get much more summer heat. Many times the difference is less than a half a mile! Cheers, Barrie.
...See More
Phormium tenax (New Zealand Flax)
Q
Comments (3)
They don't belong warmer than zone 8. Everyone was selling a hybrid, grown in Tampa or Orlando, that held up fairly well in zone 9, but this far south, forget it unless you plant it in the shade and water the devil out of it all summer long. But then you lose all the cool colors.
...See More
New Zealand Flax: winter killed?
Q
Comments (3)
WCG, only time will tell. Since I live not all that far from you, I'm going to assume your winter was similar to mine and the sharp, very cold temperatures we experienced right before Christmas combined with a very heavy snowfall, produced conditions that most phormiums would find unable to tolerate. I'd consider these at best marginally hardy plants for our area, given that every few years or so we will experience a winter cold spell that will do them in. IF the roots are still viable (and that's a big "if"), then cutting back to about 4-6" in early April will remove the dead foliage and tidy up the plant. But it will take several seasons before the plant begins to resemble its former appearance. If the root system was frozen and is dead, it is relatively easy to determine. Just tug firmly on a few of the interior fronds. If they come away easily, the plant is lost. They will also be dark and discolored at the base where they emerge from the ground. If there is still good color at the base, chances are the roots have survived, although you will still most likely have lost some of the more exterior foliage (it will pull away easily also), but that happens in even mild winters. If most the foliage is still firmly attached and with decent basal color, wait until April, then cut back.
...See More
Phormium tenax / New Zealand Flax Seeds
Q
Comments (2)
The first thing you should understand is the fact you cannot hope to duplicate named Phormium cultivars from seed. All Phormium seeds return either green or red solid leaved plants, with very rare exception. Propagation of variegated cultivars requires division or tissue culture. Germination is a difficult and potentially lengthy process. While Phormium germinates at 60-65Â°F, it can take anywhere from 30-180 days. It can be hastened, and to an extent regularized by 6 weeks of cold moist stratification (damp media in the fridge, or winter sowing if you are in zone 7 or colder). Phormium seedlings are extremely vulnerable to damping off. Great care must be taken to avoid it, and you can find information on techniques in the Growing From Seed Forum. Phormium seedlings dislike root disturbance, so you should sow in individual cell trays or containers. Common seeding trays and pricking the seedlings results in large losses. Good luck!
...See More
hoovb zone 9 sunset 23
16 years ago
I find Phormiums very puzzling. Some seem to take off and thrive right away, others struggle and die, despite my best efforts.

My dogs have never shown any interest whatsoever in them, except as a target.
bahia
16 years ago
Are you in a hot inland area of southern California? Are they planted in full hot sun and clay soil? These are not the easiest plants to keep happy away from the coast, where they need good drainage and bright light, not full hot sun. They will tend to burn and sulk in too much inland heat and sun, especially the more colorful hybrids. The larger growing green or deep bronze Phormiums are much easier to grow in inland conditions.

They will thrive closer to the coast where they got fog and sandier, fast draining soils.

Related Stories

RED FOLIAGE Great Design Plant: New Zealand Flax

By Annie Thornton

A commanding presence, year-round foliage and a hardy nature make flax a winner in the landscape even in fall and winter

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD Houzz Tour: Big Sky Views on New Zealand’s West Coast

By Claire McCall

A windswept home is designed to provide a laid-back lifestyle for a young family

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD Houzz Tour: A Home Nestled in New Zealand’s Coastal Hills

By Emily Hutchinson

A couple build a modern family home influenced by their Sri Lankan heritage and their stunning new surroundings

WORLD OF DESIGN 100 of the Best New Zealand Homes on Houzz

To celebrate the launch of Houzz New Zealand, dive deep into some of the country’s most inspiring designs

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Three Pods Make a Beach House in New Zealand

By Claire McCall

See how separate living and utility zones boost the beach experience on Waiheke Island

VACATION HOMES Houzz Tour: Simple Vacation Style in New Zealand

By Annie Thornton

Humble materials and a familiar form help make this fishing-village retreat restful, comfortable and even uplifting

VACATION HOMES We Can Dream: Maori-Inspired Island Home With Views of Land and Sea

By Joanna Tovia

This family vacation house near Auckland, New Zealand, is designed to blend in with its surroundings

ADDITIONS An Addition Creates More Living Space Out Front

By Simon Farrell-Green

A small addition transforms a cramped New Zealand bungalow into a modern light-filled home

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD Houzz Tour: Eastern Philosophy Meets Sustainability

By Claire McCall

A contemporary home in Auckland, New Zealand, immerses itself in nature and the Sthapatya Veda architectural discipline

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD Houzz Tour: A Shoreline Home Glows Like a Lantern

By Simon Farrell-Green

This sailing-mad family’s house in New Zealand, inspired by traditional boat sheds, responds to light and wind

Sponsored

More Discussions

Year of the Wood Dragon

13

suburban raccoon - should I do anything?

1

Do you defoliate your roses?

18

My California Rose Garden 2024

72

Sori or scale? Or both???

2