Representing The Natives

There are always several New Zealand flaxes in the Hen-House Gardens, representing the natives, of course. I started this garden with the regulation red flax, and gradually larger green varieties were added.

New Zealand Flax

Often I'll do anything not to disturb the flaxes. The Phormium Cookianum above has caused three re-routings of the Hen-House path.

Fat Flax Fiasco

But another Phormium Cookianum simply grew far too fat, and had to be removed after the winter snow storm flattened it in 2006. A smaller hybrid has been planted in its place. In late autumn and winter the New Zealand hybrid flaxes provide warm glowing colours, when other plants are out of action.

This warm red flax below is on the native side of the dividing path. It has an upright growth habit.

red flax - original planting

Whenever I see red flaxes in bargain bins or on sale tables I buy them all. They often start life in pots, and after a few years I'll plant them into the garden.