Overview

Phormium cookianum 'Tricolor' is a perennial in the genus Phormium, part of the Asphodelaceae family. It typically grows around 1.2 m tall. Phormium cookianum 'Tricolor' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, containers and architectural plant. It is native to New Zealand.

About

Phormium cookianum 'Tricolor' is a perennial New Zealand flax valued as an architectural plant for its upright clump and summer flower scapes. It reaches about 1.2 m and flowers in the UK from June to August. Give it a sunny site in soils ranging from sandy to clay that are moist but well drained; it will also tolerate wet ground. The cultivar suits borders and larger containers where a strong vertical accent is required.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phormium colensoi

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

In the garden

Phormium cookianum 'Tricolor' is a perennial from New Zealand grown for its bold, architectural clump and summer flowering habit. It typically reaches around 1.2 m and produces upright scapes in June to August bearing flowers that can be greenish, yellow or orange. Plant in full sun on soils that may be sandy, loamy or clay; the species prefers moisture and will tolerate both consistently moist conditions and wetter soils, provided the crown does not remain waterlogged. H5 hardiness means it is classed as hardy for much of the UK, so established clumps survive normal winter conditions across most regions. Use it where a vertical, structural element is wanted: bold mixed borders, a single specimen in a gravel or gravel-edge bed, or a sizeable container on a sunny patio. Position plants where the scapes can be seen; summer blooms add height without obscuring neighbouring perennials. Expect a steady clump-forming habit and summer flower display rather than rapid spreading, and plan planting distances accordingly.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Phormium

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy, Clay

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained, Wet

Exposure

Full sun

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Phormium cookianum 'Tricolor' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Perennial

Height

1.2 m

Suggested uses

Borders, Containers, Architectural plant

Native to

New Zealand

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Phormium cookianum 'Tricolor'

Cultivation

Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates wet conditions; plant in full sun for best leaf color

Pruning

Remove old or damaged leaves to maintain appearance

Propagation

Division of rhizomes

Frequently asked questions