Phormium tenax ‘Sundowner’ – A Bold New Zealand Flax with Sunset Colours

Phormium tenax ‘Sundowner’ is one of the most vibrant and dramatic varieties of New Zealand Flax. With its tall, arching leaves striped in shades of pink, bronze, and green, it creates an eye-catching “sunset” effect in the garden. Its strong, upright habit and architectural form make it perfect as a statement plant in borders, gravel gardens, and large containers.

This evergreen perennial provides year-round structure and colour. In summer, mature plants may also produce tall flower spikes with tubular blooms that attract bees and pollinators. Hardy, striking, and low-maintenance, ‘Sundowner’ is a favourite for gardeners looking for bold foliage that makes an instant impact.

General Information

Phormium tenax is native to New Zealand, where it grows in a wide range of habitats and is valued both ornamentally and for its tough, fibrous leaves. Cultivars like ‘Sundowner’ have been bred for their colourful foliage, making them highly desirable in modern gardens.

• Growth habit: Upright, clump-forming perennial with a strong architectural presence

• Height & spread: Typically grows 1.5–2m tall and 1.2–1.5m wide

• Foliage: Long, sword-shaped leaves with stripes of pink, bronze-red, and olive green, evergreen year-round

• Flowers: Mature plants may produce tall flower spikes in summer, with nectar-rich tubular blooms loved by pollinators

• Position: Best in full sun for the strongest colour, but tolerates partial shade

• Hardiness: Hardy in mild areas; may need protection in colder regions

• Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil; tolerant of coastal and dry conditions once established

• Uses: Excellent as a specimen plant, in contemporary borders, coastal gardens, or large patio planters

Its dramatic colouring and form make it a perfect focal point, especially when planted alongside softer-textured or green-leaved plants.

Care Guide

Phormium tenax ‘Sundowner’ is tough, reliable, and low-maintenance once established.

Planting

• Plant in full sun to maximise leaf colour and vigour.

• Use well-drained soil; mix in grit or sand if planting on heavy clay.

• Dig a wide hole, plant at soil level, and firm in well.

• Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Watering & Feeding

• Water regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots.

• Once mature, it is drought-tolerant, needing only occasional water in dry spells.

• Container plants will need more frequent watering.

• Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to boost leaf colour and growth.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Remove old, damaged, or brown leaves at the base with clean secateurs.

• Cut back spent flower spikes after flowering to maintain a tidy shape.

• Tidy the plant in early spring before fresh growth begins.

Protection

• Hardy in coastal and mild areas; in colder inland gardens, protect with a thick mulch in winter.

• In severe frost, tie the leaves loosely together to protect the crown.

• Avoid planting in waterlogged soil, which can damage roots.

Why Choose Phormium ‘Sundowner’?

‘Sundowner’ is one of the boldest and most colourful Phormiums, offering a dramatic blend of pink and bronze foliage that glows like a sunset.

• Striking foliage: Bright pink, bronze, and green striped leaves all year round

• Architectural shape: Tall, upright leaves provide dramatic structure

• Low-maintenance: Hardy, drought-tolerant, and easy to grow

• Versatile use: Perfect in borders, gravel gardens, coastal planting, or large pots

• Wildlife-friendly: Summer flowers attract bees and pollinators

Phormium tenax ‘Sundowner’ is the perfect choice for gardeners who want a bold, exotic-looking plant with year-round impact. Whether used as a dramatic specimen or as part of a mixed planting, it will bring colour, structure, and flair to any garden.

• Size
  3 lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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