Phormium tenax ‘Atropurpureum’ is a native of New Zealand that features large, sword-shaped, upright reddish-purple foliage. Orange-red flowers form on tall stalks in late spring. This very hardy plant prefers full sun to light shade and is summer-dry tolerant and can handle coastal conditions. It looks best with occasional to regular irrigation. This handsome plant is one of the toughest of the New Zealand Flax and will make a striking addition to just about any Bay Area landscape.