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New Zealand Flax

TheGardenerFromMarsTheGardenerFromMars Posts: 65
in Problem solving
This flax is planted in a bed to the left of some central steps. I was hoping to plant another one to match it in the bed on the other side of the steps (currently there is nothing planted in the opposite bed).

First question: Can I rely on identifier apps to give the correct name of the variety so that I buy the right one?

Second question: I doubt I'll be able to buy one this big (it's 1-1.5m high and wide), so if I buy a smaller one will it catch up in size eventually? If not, any suggestions as to what species I could plant instead that would get to an equivalent size reasonably quickly and would work as a counter balance to this flax in the opposite bed.

It's a nice plant so I don't want to get rid of it, but the beds feel out of balance on either side of the central steps with this large plant on one side and nothing on the other side.


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Posts

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    I'd no more rely on plant ID apps than I'd rely 100% on weather forecast apps
    Devon.
  • KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
    Divide it with a spade. The roots are very tough and fibrous, but we do it with all of our Phormiums/Flax every few years, especially if they get too big. It will look a mess for a few months, but will bounce back surprisingly quickly.

    It will also save you from having to spend money on another plant.
  • a1154a1154 Posts: 1,108
    It looks like phormium tenax purpureum. A smaller one should grow that big if it has the same conditions. I had several in my garden and sizes differed a fair bit in different positions.
  • Arthur1Arthur1 Posts: 542
    The only way to guarantee a genetically identical plant is to divide it. You might need an axe.
  • bcpathomebcpathome Posts: 1,313
    Absolutely.Cut it in half .Put half each side ,they’ll both look raggedy at first ,but at least they’ll match ,and both grow and look the same in a little while .It’s the only way you can match up to look symmetrical.
  • TheGardenerFromMarsTheGardenerFromMars Posts: 65
    If it was my own plant I would up for dividing it but I don't think the owner will let me. If they say no, would a new one catch up in size - eventually - or would it always be smaller than the current one?
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    No - a new one will just grow to the same size. It'll take a few years, assuming you get a reasonable sized plant to start with.   :)
    I use a standard saw to divide mine. Much easier than spades or similar. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • bcpathomebcpathome Posts: 1,313
    A new one will grow to the same size eventually,but it will take as long as the original one took to get that big .If a symmetrical look is what you want to achieve in the least possible time ,then cutting it in two is the only way I’m afraid .
  • Arthur1Arthur1 Posts: 542
    A new one will only reach the same size if it is the same plant. There's lots of different cultivars, some bred to be dwarf. Make sure you get one that you know will grow full size.
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    I'm with the "divide" school.  Cut off a lot of the leaves first, so you can get at thre roots.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
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