had flacks for 10 yrs. now brown shoots are coming from the plant like corn.
Congratulations! You must have a very happy plant. Those are flowering stems. Enjoy the show. :)
can i grow this plant from the seeds which are on the flower
Yes, you can plant from the seeds. This article tells you how: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/propagating-phormium-tenax-30311.html
Hi there, my wife bought a small plant a couple of years ago which was sitting amongst some reduced items in a garden centre. It looked quite sorry for itself, but since it's done quite well in our garden. So much so, that it's now getting too big! I'm not sure what it is, but it looks like the New Zealand flax to me that's on your website. Now, am I correct in thinking that the only way to reduce the size of this plant is by cutting it down right at the bottom? How do you 'prune' one of these...? Thanks ever so much for your assistance!
It doesn't appear that it is a good idea to cut these much at all. According to my research, the only cutting that should be done is a dying leaf here and there.
IF you decide that you still want to cut it down, just know that there is a good chance that the plant will not recover correctly. There is still a chance that it will, like all plant can on occasion, make a miraculous recovery, but I wouldn't feel comfortable cutting them to the ground.
I am planting a NZ Flax in a container in zone 6, since they are not too cold hardy, would insulating the container help? Or is it the foliage that the cold temps effect?
New Zealand Flax is hardy in zones 7-11, some even rated at 8 to 10.
In a colder zone you can grow as an annual. There is never any harm in trying to winter over them. You can insulate the pot and place in a sheltered area. Plants like to surprise gardeners all the time!
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/new-zealand-flax/new-zealand-flax-plant-care.htm
What fertilizer (nitrogen % etc) should I use on a New Zealand or rainbow flax plant? Thanks
Fertilizing is not generally necessary.
This article has more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/new-zealand-flax/new-zealand-flax-plant-care.htm
Had this plant from a baby and planted it in the wrong place. It grows to high and blocks our front window. I therefore trim it down, however I have lots of dead leaves in the centre which are easily pulled out. I want to chop it to ground level. Will it grow back?
Thank you.
The only pruning one should ever give a New Zealand flax (phormium) is to remove leaves if they are battered or turning brown. When you do this, you should cut entire leaves to the ground, because cutting leaves partway down will give the plant a hacked, ugly profile.
It is normal for lower leaves to die eventually, and removing them makes the plant look fresh again. To remove leaves, you will need lopping shears, the long handles of which allow you to reach into the plant.
Phormiums grow at least as wide as tall, and often grow wider.
If you choose to move them or thin them, dig them in fall or spring when the soil is moist but not soggy. Have the new hole ready and leave as much soil as you can on the roots of the plants you are moving.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/new-zealand-flax/new-zealand-flax-plant-care.htm
Our New Zealand Flax grass (assuming that's what it is) is growing on top of our septic system. It has gotten very large in the last 2 years (girth & height). Should we be concerned about the root system growing into our septic causing future issues?
Europe's compendium of invasive plants says the roots can extend as far and wide as the plant itself with "stout orange roots" running parallel. In addition, roots run vertically and diagonally.
You may want to remove or transplant this beautiful plant and replace it with something with a shallower root system, just to be sure. Here's our article about this plant: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/new-zealand-flax/new-zealand-flax-plant-care.htm