Phormium tenax All Black

Common Name:
All Black New Zealand Flax

Description:
Phormium tenax ‘All Black’ is a dramatic evergreen architectural plant prized for its intensely dark foliage and bold upright form. This striking New Zealand flax variety features long, sword-like leaves in deep charcoal-purple to near-black tones, creating strong contrast and modern structure in the landscape. Its bold foliage colour remains consistent throughout the year, making it a standout feature in contemporary gardens, coastal plantings, mass displays, and large decorative pots. During summer, mature plants may produce tall flower spikes bearing tubular reddish flowers that attract nectar-feeding birds. ‘All Black’ performs exceptionally well in Melbourne’s climate, thriving in full sun to part shade and adapting to a wide range of well-drained soils. It is highly tolerant of wind, coastal conditions, and dry periods once established, making it an excellent low-maintenance option for urban and exposed gardens. Its sculptural form and year-round colour provide exceptional visual impact in both residential and commercial landscapes.

Form:

• Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature Size:

• Height: 1.5–2 m
• Width: 1.5–2 m

Aspect:

• Full Sun
• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Summer

Flower Colour:

• Red
• Burgundy

Key Attributes:

• Bird Attracting
• Coastal Tolerant
• Drought Tolerant
• Evergreen
• Feature Foliage
• Perennial
• Suitable for Pots

Toxicity:

• Generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets.
• Leaf edges may be sharp and can cause minor cuts if handled carelessly.

Companion Plants:

• Agave
• Cordyline
• Dianella
• Lomandra
• Pittosporum
• Rhaphiolepis
• Westringia
• Yucca
• Zoysia grass

This cultivar is grown by Flemings Nurseries, one of Australia's most renowned growers.
Image used with permission from Fleming’s Nurseries.

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