About
A clump-forming, evergreen perennial to 2m tall with upright or slightly drooping sword-like leaves rangeing in colour from bronze-green through purple-green to bronze-orange with bright red stripes and margins. In summer, erect stems bearing panicles of tubular red flowers may appear.
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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Coastal
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. In frost-prone areas, provide a deep, dry mulch in winter
PruningRemove faded flower stalks in autumn to prevent winter rocking which can damage the plant. Remove dead or damaged leaves in spring
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to phormium mealybug
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)