Overview
Phormium colensoi is a clump forming shrubs in the genus Phormium, part of the Asphodelaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Phormium colensoi grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include architectural, city and courtyard gardens, gravel garden, coastal, low maintenance and flower borders and beds.
About
It is less common than the other Phormium species, P. tenax or harakeke. The greenish, yellow or orange flowers are followed by twisted seed pods. Mountain flax is also known as whararipi, whatariki, mangaeka, kōrari tuauru (Williams 1971), wauraki (Bell 1890 sic.), coastal flax, hill flax and lesser New Zealand flax. Grow it in full sun and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). It works well for architectural, city and courtyard gardens, gravel garden, coastal, low maintenance and flower borders and beds. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing, east-facing, west-facing and north-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phormium colensoi
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Phormium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Phormium colensoi size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Coastal, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Phormium colensoi
- Propagation
- Seed sown in spring, Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Phormium mealybug
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus (rarely)
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Phormium colensoi?
Phormium colensoi prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Phormium colensoi need?
Phormium colensoi grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Phormium colensoi hardy in the UK?
Phormium colensoi has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Phormium colensoi?
Seed sown in spring, Division in spring.
More in the Phormium genus
- Phormium colensoi 'Emerald Green'
- Phormium tenax 'Nanum Purpureum'
- Phormium tenax 'Williamsii Variegatum'
- Phormium 'Dark Delight'