Many a gardener will buy a New Zealand Flax for its bold, upright form and drought tolerance, not quite realizing how big the plant can get over time. If garden space is limited but that vertical profile calls to you, consider 'Tom Thumb' phormium. A mere one to two feet tall at maturity and not much wider, 'Tom Thumb' still has that upright stature and characteristic blades that are dark green, edged in bronze. It's smaller size makes 'Tom Thumb' an excellent choice for container planters or even hanging baskets, and of course does well in sunny garden locations. Drought tolerant once established, New Zealand flax is a relatively low-maintenance garden addition.