About
An evergreen perennial making a large clump of sword-shaped leaves striped with yellow and green, edged with red. Flowers yellowish-green, in large panicles appear on mature plants 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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal 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
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to phormium mealybug
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)