PHORMIUM TENAX RED
Phormium tenax ‘Red’ is a New Zealand flax cultivar that stands out for its striking foliage in warm, reddish-red tones, which creates a bold and elegant visual impact. This Phormium variety is prized for its sculptural beauty and its ability to add colour and structure to modern gardens, coastal landscapes and exotic spaces. The leaves of ‘Red’ are long, ribbon-like and well spread, with a stiff, leathery texture. The colour, which ranges from deep red to bronze, becomes even more vibrant when the plant is exposed to direct sun. The red shades mix with darker tones, creating a bright and dynamic effect that varies according to light conditions and climate. The plant has an upright and compact habit, with leaves that fan out from the centre, forming a tidy and vigorous structure. Phormium tenax ‘Red’ reaches an average height of 1.2-1.5 metres and a similar width, but in optimal conditions it can even reach 2 metres. Its vertical growth and well-defined shape make it perfect for use as a solitary specimen, in borders or even in large containers, where it can act as a focal point of the garden. Flowering is rare but can occur in summer, with inflorescences carried by erect and branched stems, which produce tubular red or orange flowers, appreciated for their exotic appearance and for attracting pollinating insects. Phormium ‘Red’ is a very resistant plant. It adapts easily to a wide range of well-drained soils, preferring sunny exposures that enhance the beauty of its leaves. It is resistant to wind, salt and drought, and is therefore ideal for coastal gardens or difficult environments. Although it tolerates relatively low temperatures, it is advisable to protect it in areas subject to prolonged frosts or grow it in pots to facilitate shelter during the coldest months. Due to its resistance to environmental conditions and its extraordinary visual effect, Phormium tenax ‘Red’ is a perfect plant for those looking for a distinctive element with great character for the garden, capable of enhancing both modern and more natural gardens.