Phormium tenax is an evergreen clump-forming plant with tall, leathery, spiky leaves. It grows to around 3m in height, and forms large clumps. It is hardy to around -12°C if well mulched. It has tall spikes of strange-looking red, yellow or orange flowers on brown or black stems, which can grow to 4m tall. The seed pods are brown or black, and dry well. It is invaluable in flower arranging for linear foliage to give height to an arrangement.