About
This clump-forming, evergreen perennial with leathery, upright, arching red, purple and brown foliage with occasional upright stems of red flowers appearing in summer.
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 typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, 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. See phormium cultivation for further advice
PruningDead or damaged leaves may be removed in the spring
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to phormium mealybug
Disease resistanceMaybe susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)