Phormium colensoi 'Emerald Green' — Clump forming

Overview

Phormium colensoi 'Emerald Green' is a clump forming shrubs in the genus Phormium, part of the Asphodelaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Phormium colensoi 'Emerald Green' 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

Phormium colensoi 'Emerald Green' is a cultivar of Phormium, a genus of evergreen perennial shrubs known for their dense clumps of thick, strap-like foliage. This cultivar forms clumps of vibrant green leaves and thrives in full sun across various aspects and exposures, including exposed and sheltered sites. It prefers fertile, well-drained loam or sandy soils with a range of pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suitable for architectural planting, city and courtyard gardens, gravel gardens, coastal areas, and low-maintenance flower borders. It flowers in spring and summer, producing elongated panicles with small tubular flowers.

About the genus

Phormium is a genus of two plant species in the family Asphodelaceae. One species is endemic to New Zealand and the other is native to New Zealand and Norfolk Island. The two species are widely known in New Zealand as flax or their Māori names wharariki and harakeke respectively, and elsewhere as New Zealand flax or flax lily, but they are not closely related to the Northern Hemisphere's flax, which is native to the region extending from the eastern Mediterranean to India and has been used by humans since 30,000 B.C.

Wikipedia contributors, "Phormium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phormium

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 'Emerald Green' 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 'Emerald Green'

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 'Emerald Green'?

Phormium colensoi 'Emerald Green' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Phormium colensoi 'Emerald Green' need?

Phormium colensoi 'Emerald Green' 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 'Emerald Green' hardy in the UK?

Phormium colensoi 'Emerald Green' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.