Phormium tenax ‘Veneer’ – A Bold Foliage Plant with Rich Contrasting Colours

Phormium tenax ‘Veneer’, also known as New Zealand Flax, is a striking evergreen perennial prized for its bold, upright leaves and dramatic colouring. This variety features broad sword-like foliage with strong tones of green, purple-bronze, and often streaks of contrasting lighter veins, giving it a “veneered” appearance of layered colour. Its sculptural form makes it an outstanding focal point in borders, gravel gardens, and large containers.

Mature plants may produce tall flower spikes in summer, bearing tubular blooms that are attractive to bees and pollinators. Hardy, resilient, and architectural, Phormium ‘Veneer’ is a fantastic choice for gardeners looking to add dramatic structure and year-round colour.

General Information

Phormium tenax is native to New Zealand and valued for both ornamental and practical uses. Cultivars like ‘Veneer’ are specially bred for their striking leaf markings and adaptability to a range of garden styles.

• Growth habit: Upright, clump-forming perennial with bold, arching leaves

• Height & spread: Typically 1.2–1.5m tall and about 1m wide

• Foliage: Long, sword-shaped leaves with layered colours—green, bronze, and purple tones, often streaked with lighter highlights

• Flowers: In summer, mature plants may produce tall flower spikes with tubular blooms, attracting bees

• Position: Best in full sun but tolerates partial shade

• Hardiness: Hardy in most regions, though may need protection in severe winters

• Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil; tolerates poor and coastal soils

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

Its architectural shape and vibrant colouring mean ‘Veneer’ looks equally good in modern minimalist gardens or naturalistic planting schemes.

Care Guide

Phormium tenax ‘Veneer’ is a robust, low-maintenance plant that thrives with minimal care.

Planting

• Plant in full sun for the best colour and strong growth.

• Use well-drained soil; add grit if planting in heavy clay areas.

• Plant at the same depth as the root ball and mulch after planting to conserve moisture.

• Space well away from other plants to allow the leaves to spread naturally.

Watering & Feeding

• Water well during the first year until roots are established.

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

• Container-grown plants require more frequent watering.

• Apply a general-purpose fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy foliage.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Remove old or damaged leaves at the base to keep the plant tidy.

• Cut out any completely brown leaves in early spring before new growth starts.

• After flowering, cut back flower spikes to the base.

Protection

• Fully hardy in mild areas, but in colder regions protect the base with mulch in winter.

• In exposed gardens, tie leaves loosely together in a bundle to protect the crown from frost.

• Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can damage the roots.

Why Choose Phormium ‘Veneer’?

This dramatic variety of New Zealand Flax offers both resilience and beauty, with its strong structure and multi-toned foliage providing year-round interest.

• Distinctive foliage: Striking colour contrasts of green, bronze, and purple tones

• Architectural presence: Bold sword-like leaves perfect for dramatic designs

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

• Versatile use: Great for borders, gravel gardens, coastal plantings, or containers

• Wildlife-friendly: Summer flowers attract pollinators

Phormium tenax ‘Veneer’ is a superb choice for gardeners who want a tough yet striking foliage plant that stands out in every season. Whether planted as a specimen feature or combined with other shrubs and perennials, it will bring structure, colour, and character to any garden.

• Size
  7.5lt

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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