About
Tall spikes of red flowers are sometimes produced in the summer. A strong, hardy evergreen perennial which forms a clump of arching, strap-like bright pink leaves with reddish-green edges. Colours are more striking if the plant is grown in full sun.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrows best in fertile well-drained soil in full sun. May need the protection of a deep, dry winter mulch in northern and frost prone areas
PruningDead or damaged leaves may be removed in the spring
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to phormium mealbug
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)