Material uses

A very high quality pliable fibre is obtained from the leaves[4][5][6][7][1]. It is used in the manufacture of ropes (they are not very strong[8]), twine, fine cloth etc. The fibre can also be used for making paper[9] The leaves are harvested in summer, they are scraped to remove the outer skin and are then soaked in water for 2 hours prior to cooking. The fibres are cooked for 24 hours with lye and then beaten in a ball mill for 4 hours. They make a cream paper[9].

The split leaves can be used to make nets, cloaks, sandals, straps etc[1]. They are also used in making paper and basket making[1][10]. A strip of a leaf is an excellent emergency string substitute for tying up plants in the garden, it can be tied into a knot without breaking[7]. The leaf pulp, after the fibre has been removed, can be fermented to make alcohol[1]. A gum found in the leaves is used as a paper glue[2]. A brown dye is obtained from the flowers[11], it does not require a mordant[10]. A terra-cotta dye is obtained from the seedpods[11]. A mauve can also be obtained[11].

 

Propagation

The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Sow stored seed in February in a cold frame. Germination is sometimes poor but should take place in 1 - 6 months at 15°c. The seedlings are very variable. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. The seed remains viable for about 12 months in normal storage[12]. Division in spring as growth commences. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

 

Cultivation

Prefers a rich loamy soil[12] but is not too fussy, succeeding in peaty soils and in boggy moorland[4]. Tolerates light shade[12] but prefers full sun[13]. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn[14]. Prefers a sheltered position[15] but tolerates maritime exposure[16]. Plants tolerate occasional flooding with saline water[13].

Plants can withstand temperatures down to about -11°c[15], but they can be killed in very severe winters in Britain[4]. A polymorphic species[17], there are many named varieties grown in Britain[4][13]. This species hybridizes readily with P. colensoi and there are many named forms that may be hybrids with that species[4]. This plant has been considered for commercial cultivation for its fibre, though there is some difficulty in mechanically extracting the fibres due to the presence of a gum in the leaves. An alkali has been successfully used to break down the gum but this weakens the fibre. The Maoris had selected many different cultivars for different uses[1].

Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[14].

Propagation

The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Sow stored seed in February in a cold frame. Germination is sometimes poor but should take place in 1 - 6 months at 15°c. The seedlings are very variable. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. The seed remains viable for about 12 months in normal storage[12]. Division in spring as growth commences. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Phormium tenax. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.

 

 

Cultivation

Prefers a rich loamy soil[12] but is not too fussy, succeeding in peaty soils and in boggy moorland[4]. Tolerates light shade[12] but prefers full sun[13]. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn[14]. Prefers a sheltered position[15] but tolerates maritime exposure[16]. Plants tolerate occasional flooding with saline water[13].

Plants can withstand temperatures down to about -11°c[15], but they can be killed in very severe winters in Britain[4]. A polymorphic species[17], there are many named varieties grown in Britain[4][13]. This species hybridizes readily with P. colensoi and there are many named forms that may be hybrids with that species[4]. This plant has been considered for commercial cultivation for its fibre, though there is some difficulty in mechanically extracting the fibres due to the presence of a gum in the leaves. An alkali has been successfully used to break down the gum but this weakens the fibre. The Maoris had selected many different cultivars for different uses[1].

Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[14].
New Zealand Flax

New Zealand Flax

Details   Useful to tying materials. Loved by bell birds and other nectar feeders.
Botanical name   Phormium tenax
Height (m)   2-4
Forest layer   shrub
Evergreen  
Propagation method   Division
Wind tolerance   High
Shade / Sun   Full sun - Shade
Soil type   Most
Flowers   Orange

 Related

Winter plant propagation by division

June 30, 2020
Clone or duplicate plants by dividing. May also be useful to reinvigorate or restart aging plants.
The exact process will differ for each species but generally involves digging up part or all of the plant, carefully separating or cutting rooted sections before removing most of the leaf surface area and replanting in new locations. Post care includes watering and weeding as required.

 

Divide and replant bulbs such as daffodil, multiplying leeks
  June   July   August  
  winter  propagation  plants 
View Plant List
Practical uses for flax

Practical uses for flax

New Zealand Flax, the native Phormium tenax, is an excellent plant to include in the forest garden. Not only does it grow in almost all conditions from wet to dry and full sun to shade, flax has some great practical applications.

The plant produces tall flower stalks that feed native bell birds. These stalks can be over 2 meters long and can be used for poles in the garden. While not as long lasting as bamboo, the flax poles decay after a season or 2, they are extremely light and easy to work with.

The flax leaves contain extremely tough fibres making them ideal fro tying and weaving. From simple rope to intricate baskets, woven mats and dental floss, the flax leaves and fibres are very versatile and durable.

I use flax constantly for tying and training plants. Being biodegradable is an added bonus as it breaks down into the soil and trees tied with flax will not strangle.
Olmec Sinclair