Overview

Phormium 'Jester' is a perennial in the genus Phormium, part of the Asphodelaceae family. Phormium 'Jester' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, containers and accent plant. It is native to New Zealand.

About

Phormium 'Jester' (Jester New Zealand Flax) is a perennial cultivar of the Phormium genus, which comprises two species native to New Zealand and Norfolk Island. This plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained soil in a sheltered position. It is drought tolerant once established and is hardy to UK zone H4. Suitable for borders, containers, or as an accent plant, it benefits from the removal of old or damaged leaves to maintain its appearance and can be propagated by division.

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, partial shade

Soil type

well-drained

Soil moisture

moderate

Exposure

sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Phormium 'Jester' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial

Suggested uses

borders, containers, accent plant

Native to

New Zealand

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Phormium 'Jester'

Cultivation

Prefers well-drained soil and a sheltered position; drought tolerant once established.

Pruning

Remove old or damaged leaves to maintain appearance.

Propagation

Division

Frequently asked questions