Overview

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

About

Phormium cookianum 'Variegatum' is a perennial New Zealand flax with variegated, sword-shaped leaves and an upright habit. It typically reaches about 1.2 m tall and prefers a sunny position. The cultivar comes from the Asphodelaceae family and produces summer flower scapes. It suits borders and containers where its foliage can be shown off.

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 'Variegatum' is a perennial in the Asphodelaceae family, native to New Zealand, selected for its variegated, sword-like leaves. Plants form a clear, architectural clump to roughly 1.2 m in height and are valued where strong foliage contrast is needed. Give it full sun and a position that stays moist but drains — it tolerates sandy, loamy or clay soils so long as water does not stand around the crown. Exposure should be full sun. Hardiness is H5 (hardy) in the UK; it is also listed for USDA zones 7–10. Establish plants with generous watering through the first season to encourage root spread, then place where they receive uninterrupted sun for best leaf colour. Use Phormium cookianum 'Variegatum' in mixed borders to provide vertical form, in large containers on patios, or as an architectural specimen at the back of a scheme. Its height and foliage pattern make it a practical foil to lower perennials and grasses. Expect it to produce flower scapes in June to August.

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 'Variegatum' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Perennial

Height

1.2 m

Suggested uses

Borders, Containers, Architectural plantings

Native to

New Zealand

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Phormium cookianum 'Variegatum'

Cultivation

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

Pruning

Remove old flower stalks and damaged leaves to maintain appearance

Propagation

Division of rhizomes

Frequently asked questions