If you're seriously into color, you're probably familiar with New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax), often used as accent plants because of their striking foliage. They require full sun to partial shade and moderate water, depending on the variety. Phormiums tolerate poor drainage and salt air but not dune conditions. They do well in containers and will grow in the same pot for years. Divide and transplant to increase your stock. New Zealand flax is treasured for its colored foliage, which ranges from purples and reds to gold, peach and maroon. The plants come in a variety of sizes and heights. As long as the crown of this hardy perennial is above water, you can actually grow it in a pond. Hummingbirds love the nectar-rich flowers. New Zealand flax works wonderfully in flower arrangements and lasts a long time. Garden Color Garden color isn't achieved solely through bright flowers. Foliage color is equally important -- and some of the most dramatic highlights are provided by plants whose blooms are inconsequential. Artemisia requires full sun and moderate water. Its silver foliage blends well with blue and yellow flowers and softens harsh red and orange blooms. Dianthus has attractive gray-green foliage, as does cyclamen. The leaves of peperomia have a wonderful lumpy texture and contrast well with silver-foliage plants.
| 
)
)
)
)
)
)
