New Zealand Flax is a reliable choice for a year-round presence in Pacific NW gardens and comes in a range of colors and sizes. 'Shiraz' provides true red coloring ranging from an orange-red to dark maroon on grass-like, narrow leaves that average two to three feet tall and spread about as wide. Sun-loving but not necessarily drought-tolerant, 'Shiraz' and most other phormiums look their best when watered regularly. 

Because of its size, 'Shiraz' takes well to container planters and adds vertical interest to mixed planters. The leaves may be a bit tired looking after a harsh/wet winter, and those may be removed in the spring.