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  • Answered by
    shelley on
    August 11, 2017
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Yes, you can plant from the seeds. This article tells you how: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/propagating-phormium-tenax-30311.html

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  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    October 4, 2017
    Certified Expert
    A.

    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.

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  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    June 3, 2018
    A.

    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

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  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    June 17, 2018
    A.

    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

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  • Answered by
    barrydevcat on
    September 26, 2018
    A.

    Thank you.

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  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    September 26, 2018
    A.

    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

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  • Answered by
    GKH_Susan on
    January 9, 2021
    Certified Expert
    A.

    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

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