New Zealand Flax produces bold, architectural sword-shaped leaves that provide year-round structure and colour with minimal maintenance. Drought tolerant once established, tolerant of coastal conditions, and available in a range of foliage colours that shift and deepen through the seasons. Full sun to part shade. Well-drained soil. Remove dead outer leaves periodically. Chief has tall, upright dark green to dark bronze leaves - a more restrained, architectural tone than the vivid variegated forms. It grows to 1.5-2m and provides strong vertical structure with a character that suits contemporary and minimalist garden styles. A good choice where the goal is structure rather than colour.