Overview

Phormium 'Rainbow Maiden' is a perennial evergreen in the genus Phormium, part of the Asphodelaceae family. Phormium 'Rainbow Maiden' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soil soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, containers and architectural planting. It is native to New Zealand.

About

Phormium 'Rainbow Maiden' (Rainbow Maiden New Zealand Flax) is a perennial evergreen cultivar within the Phormium genus, native to New Zealand. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained, moist soil. This hardy plant, rated H5 for UK conditions, is suitable for a range of exposures from sheltered to exposed and is tolerant of coastal environments. Commonly used in borders, containers, and architectural planting, 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

Soil moisture

moist, well-drained

Exposure

sheltered to exposed

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Phormium 'Rainbow Maiden' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial evergreen

Suggested uses

borders, containers, architectural planting

Native to

New Zealand

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Phormium 'Rainbow Maiden'

Cultivation

Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position; tolerant of coastal conditions.

Pruning

Remove old or damaged leaves to maintain appearance.

Propagation

Division

Frequently asked questions