Black Adder New Zealand Flax

Black Adder New Zealand Flax

5 Gallon
$69.00
Skip to product information
Black Adder New Zealand Flax
1/7

Black Adder New Zealand Flax

Phormium ‘Black Adder’

Upright, near-black flax for dramatic architectural contrast.

$69.00
Container sizeSize guide 5 Gallon

Quality Guarantee

Free Delivery Over $199

+1 650-241-8858 (SMS ok)

Local Plant Delivery

Delivered by our local network

Current Nursery Inventory

Availability reflects current sourcing

 Living Plants

Size, shape and branching naturally vary

Description

Black Adder New Zealand Flax is a strikingly dark cultivar that adds depth and drama to the landscape. Its very upright, rigid leaves are an intense, deep burgundy that appears almost black in certain lights. This creates a powerful vertical element and a superb backdrop for lighter-colored plants. Slower growing and highly architectural, it makes a bold statement in modern gardens, containers, or as a dark focal point in mixed borders.

  • Nearly Black, Upright Foliage: Features exceptionally dark, wine-red to nearly black leaves that grow in a very upright, rigid clump.

  • Strong Architectural Presence: Its vertical form and dark color make it a commanding focal point or exclamation mark in the garden.

  • Slow-Growing & Long-Lived: A durable plant that establishes well and provides a permanent structural element.

  • Sun-Loving for Darkest Color: Develops the deepest, most intense black-red coloration in full sun.

  • Perfect for Modern & Contrast Gardens: Ideal for minimalist designs, dark foliage themes, or pairing with silver, white, or bright chartreuse plants.

Quick Facts

  • Features:Sword-shaped, upright leaves in deep wine-red to nearly black, forming dramatic clumps. Produces tall spikes of tubular orange-yellow flowers (monocarpic - dies after flowering).
  • Mature Height: 3-4 ft
  • Mature Width: 3-4 ft
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade
  • Key Advantages:Striking dark foliage year-round,Compact, symmetrical habit,Deer resistant,Low maintenance
  • Landscape Uses:Architectural plantings,Modern landscapes,Color contrast gardens,Coastal schemes
  • Special Notes:Flowers once then dies (but may produce offsets). Traditional Maori weaving plant.
  • Hardiness:Tolerates coastal conditions. Protect from extreme cold (<20°F/-6°C).

Faqs

Q: Will it stay dark in the shade?
A: It will remain a dark burgundy in shade, but for the deepest, blackest tones, full sun is essential. In too much shade, it may appear more dark greenish-bronze.

Q: How tall does it get?
A: It is a medium to large cultivar, typically reaching 3-4 feet in height with a similar spread. Its growth is predominantly vertical.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

Shop now

A good garden starts with the right size

Choose your starting point.

5 Gallon

5 Gallon

A popular size for shrubs, screening plants and young trees. Large enough to make an immediate difference in the garden while still manageable for most residential projects.

Explore 5 Gallon Plants

Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

Discover More from Victory Nursery

New Zealand Flax
New Zealand Flax

New Zealand Flax

Ornamental Grasses
A mix of ornamental grasses creating soft texture and movement in a sunny Bay Area garden border.

Ornamental Grasses

English Garden
English cottage-style garden border with roses, lavender, hydrangea, and layered perennials in soft romantic colors

English Garden

Rock Garden
Rock garden planting with gravel mulch, boulders, drought-tolerant succulents, and low perennials in a sunny landscape

Rock Garden