Overview

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

About

Phormium 'Rainbow Queen' (Rainbow Queen New Zealand Flax) is a perennial cultivar within the Phormium genus, native to New Zealand. This plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained, moist soil. It is hardy to UK zone H5 and can be grown in sheltered or exposed locations. Suitable for borders, containers, and architectural plantings, it requires protection from severe frost and benefits from the removal of old or damaged leaves. Propagation is typically 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 pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

moist, well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, East-facing, West-facing, North-facing

Exposure

sheltered to exposed

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Phormium 'Rainbow Queen' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial

Habit

Clump forming

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

borders, containers, architectural plantings

Native to

New Zealand

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Phormium 'Rainbow Queen'

Cultivation

Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position; protect from severe frost.

Pruning

Remove old or damaged leaves as needed.

Propagation

Division

Pest resistance

Phormium mealybug

Disease resistance

Honey fungus

Frequently asked questions