Phormium tenax 'Atropurpureum'

Origin
The Phormium tenax 'Atropurpureum', also known as the New Zealand flax, originates from New Zealand and certain parts of Australia. This plant is a striking feature in the nature of these countries, growing in a variety of places, from coastal areas to riverbanks. In the wild, the plant can grow up to five meters tall, but when cultivated, its growth often remains limited to two to three meters.

Characteristics
The Phormium tenax 'Atropurpureum' is especially known for its dark red to purple leaves. These leaves are very strong and fibrous, hence the term 'tenax', which means 'strong' in Latin. They exhibit an architectural growth, where the leaves fan out from the base of the plant. This plant rarely blooms, but when it does, it produces striking red flowers that contain large amounts of nectar, which made them an important food source for the indigenous population.

Care
The Phormium tenax 'Atropurpureum' is an easy plant to care for. It can be placed in both a sunny position and in half-shade. The soil must be well-draining, as overly wet soil can cause root rot. The plant is drought tolerant and can fairly withstand wind. It thrives best in fertile soil, but can also survive in poor soil. Pruning is usually not required, only if the plant gets too large or if there are dead leaves hanging on the plant, these can be removed.