For those in California....I need some New Zealand Flax Plant

[Baz]

I know this sounds a bit crazy but there is a plant I have been trying to obtain for my landscape work here in Florida but none of my usual venders seem interested enough to get any in.

It's called the New Zealand Flax Plant - aka Phormium tenax.



There are quite a few varieties of it including some campact/dwarf varieties....but I am interested in the one that is full size.

Further....there are basically two different full sized varieties...the green one and the bronze one (P. tenax "Purpurea')



I have not contacted any CA nursery to inquire - but may do that shortly just to see what the consensus is on my quest.

Monrovia is a well known nursery and they sell these so I guess I should call and check with them - I have nurseries here I deal with who place Monrovia orders throughout the year but so far no luck on getting this particular plant.

I thought if someone in CA could find some that are smaller - like 1 gallon sized or what they call "liners" - (small plants in 2-4" size pots) - it might be feasible to have them shipped via FedX ground or Priority Mail USPS. I'm not sure about shipping regulations regarding the shipping of soil - I'd have to check into that.

Thoughts anyone?

You guys know about this plant?

They are commonly used out there.

I'm itching to get some and know I could plant them successfully, even though we are way more humid.

Thanks for any input....

[rsNINESOOPER]

Here in California, especially Northern California many varieties are available and can be found at just about every nursery. Shipping them would be no problem as they are hardy plants but it might technically be illegal unless they go to quarantine or are not on the "list". Even Home Depot carries them from time to time. Try contacting one of the local nurseries in The Bay Area Nor-cal and see if they will ship to you??.
Monrovia is great and I would think if you caught someone on the right day they would drop ship them to you.

[rsNINESOOPER]

There is also a possibility your climate is just on the edge of being too sunny for them to do well in which might be the reason they aren't widely available. I have noticed that Flax tends to burn a bit in the tips easily down here in Southern California...

[greglepore]

I don't believe there are any issues with shipping plants domestically.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by rsNINESOOPER

Here in California, especially Northern California many varieties are available and can be found at just about every nursery. Shipping them would be no problem as they are hardy plants but it might technically be illegal unless they go to quarantine or are not on the "list". Even Home Depot carries them from time to time. Try contacting one of the local nurseries in The Bay Area Nor-cal and see if they will ship to you??.
Monrovia is great and I would think if you caught someone on the right day they would drop ship them to you.

Thanks, rs.....I think a call to Monrovia will be my best bet as starters. I have placed orders through Home Depot before when I wanted a particular So. FL palm that they had on their assortment sheet. Monrovia, as you know, has satellite nurseries/growers all over the country. It's about logistics sometimes as much as anything else, like you said.

Regarding your comment about it being too sunny and the tip burn....I dunno....I see that with some other plants we use from time to time but always attributed that to some type of nutritional, disease, or water issue. Sometimes the problem isn't bad enough to be considered significant either. I'd like to find out anyhow.

I'll let you know what happens. Going to try and call later today.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by greglepore

I don't believe there are any issues with shipping plants domestically.

I agree but remember in this case we are dealing with the country of California....ha ha.

[steve911]

Originally Posted by Baz

I agree but remember in this case we are dealing with the country of California....ha ha.

CA has prohibitions with plants/fruits/vegetables coming IN to the state, but I don't think the state would have prohibitions on plants going out. FL may though, in order to protect its agricultural crops from infestations. Dunno.

[Rusty Heap]

They're all over the place in Oregon and Washington Home Depots.

I have 3 in Seattle, but they don't really like our colder winters.

[RonDent]

I found Red Flax at Home Depot

[id10t]

Coworker used to own a nursurey, she contacted someone local who has lots of stuff, I think he has what you need. Call Bloominghouse Nursery in Newberry, Fl 352-472-3111 and ask for Mike

[ErVikingo]

Originally Posted by Baz

I agree but remember in this case we are dealing with the country of California....ha ha.

I think you might have a bigger problem with FL regulations for the protection of the orange groves.

[Hugh R]

my front slope. If you don't get help from anyone else let me know.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by id10t

Coworker used to own a nursery, she contacted someone local who has lots of stuff, I think he has what you need. Call Bloominghouse Nursery in Newberry, Fl 352-472-3111 and ask for Mike

Thanks - I will call tomorrow. Newberry is near Gatorville! Did quite a few cycling trips in that area while I was in school. Brings back memories....

Originally Posted by ErVikingo

I think you might have a bigger problem with FL regulations for the protection of the orange groves.

Yes you are correct - I should know this with my background in agriculture and the nursery business.

Originally Posted by Hugh R

my front slope. If you don't get help from anyone else let me know.

Yes that's it, Hugh. Very cool plant. I'll keep you posted and thanks for the offer.

==========

I was going to call Monrovia today but there was no phone # listed on their website. In the meantime I have a few other leads to chase down.

Heck if you guys can get a few from your local Home Depot I may hit you up for a small shipment. I wonder if they are sold in gallon size? That would be easier to ship than 3 gallon.

Will keep y'all posted...thanks again for all the replies and info!

[nzporsche944s2]

Or pop on over here. Plenty just growing at the side of the road...

[id10t]

Originally Posted by Baz

Thanks - I will call tomorrow. Newberry is near Gatorville! Did quite a few cycling trips in that area while I was in school. Brings back memories....

Yup, I work at "the other college" in Gainesville...

[Baz]

Still on the hunt for this plant - anyone in California (or SW area) who wants to help, please PM me....

If they have them in Home Depot - especially in a smaller (1 gallon) size, we could probably do a fairly reasonable ground shipment deal.

Or if you have one or two on your property and can send a couple divisions...that would work.

Need the original bigger species - not a compact variety.

Willing to pay for your help....thanks!

[Rusty Heap]

I have 3 different species in Seattle, and one doesn't like our colder weather, I'm sure I could dig it up and get it into a large size $16 flat rate shipping box, maybe a medium depending on the root ball.

PM me, it's still a bit early in WA state from them at lowes/depot-land.

[vash]

Originally Posted by Baz

I agree but remember in this case we are dealing with the country of California....ha ha.

That's the best way to get help. Make fun of our state first.

I'd get Home Depot to order you one.


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[vash]

My landscaper told me ours was from Australia.


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[Tobra]

Originally Posted by greglepore

I don't believe there are any issues with shipping plants domestically.

Depends on where you are shipping them. California is pretty redneck about that sort of thing.

Originally Posted by ErVikingo

I think you might have a bigger problem with FL regulations for the protection of the orange groves.

Equivalent maybe, definitely want to check and see what is legal. There are a LOT of plant companies that will not ship to California, not sure about Florida because I never lived there.

If the sun burns them up, maybe you could plant them where they don't get afternoon sun.