Phormium tenax purpureum is an evergreen clump-forming plant with tall, leathery, spiky leaves, of a browny-purple colour. It grows to around 2m 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 3m 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.