About
A clump-forming, evergreen perennial maturing to 90cm tall. Its arching, sword-shaped leaves are almost black and it will occasionally produce tall panicles of tubular, red-purple flowers in summer.
About the genus
Phormium are evergreen perennials, making a large clump of leathery, strap-shaped leaves, with tall panicles of small, tubular flowers in summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Architectural, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. In frost-prone areas, provide a deep, dry mulch in winter
PruningDeadhead in autumn to prevent winter rocking which can damage the plant. Remove dead or damaged leaves in spring
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to phormium mealybug
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)