Phormium ‘Maori Chief’, commonly known as New Zealand Flax, is a bold, upright plant that brings strong color and structure into the landscape. It’s a great choice when you want height and visual impact without relying on flowering plants.

The foliage is made up of long, arching leaves in rich bronze, red, and olive tones. The color deepens in full sun, creating a warm, earthy palette that stands out against cooler greens and silvers.

It forms a dense, upright clump that adds vertical movement and works well as a focal point or repeated element. Compared to smaller varieties, ‘Maori Chief’ has a broader, more commanding presence, making it ideal for anchoring a planting.

It can also produce tall flower spikes with tubular blooms, though it’s primarily valued for its foliage and form.

Phormium ‘Maori Chief’ grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers well drained soil. Once established, it is fairly drought tolerant and adaptable to a range of conditions.

It typically reaches about 5 to 7 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide, forming a large, upright clump. It is well suited for USDA zones 8 through 11. The foliage is evergreen.

This plant has low toxicity and is generally safe for gardens with pets and children.

The flowers may attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.

It is generally deer resistant.

Phormium ‘Maori Chief’ fits especially well into Mediterranean, coastal, and modern garden designs, where its color and structure can be used to create contrast and vertical emphasis.

It pairs well with plants like Grevillea ‘Noellii’ to introduce a lower, spreading layer with fine texture, Agave attenuata to contrast with softer sculptural form, and Euphorbia ‘Black Bird’ to add a dark, compact layer that reinforces the color palette.

Expert Tip:

Place this where it can act as a vertical anchor in the planting, because its size and color naturally draw the eye. Giving it space around the base helps preserve its clean form and keeps it from feeling crowded.

— Nick from Rooted Theory