Overview
Phormium tenax 'Goliath' is a evergreen perennial in the genus Phormium, part of the Asphodelaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 3.0 m tall. Phormium tenax 'Goliath' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is native to New Zealand and Norfolk Island.
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
In the garden
Phormium tenax 'Goliath' is a large evergreen perennial in the Asphodelaceae, originating from New Zealand and Norfolk Island. It grows into a substantial 3.0 m clump and produces summer blooms between June and August. The cultivar name 'Goliath' indicates its size rather than a different species. Position 'Goliath' in full sun for best display. It tolerates a range of soils — sandy, loamy or clay — provided they are moist but well drained, and it will also accept consistently wet ground. In the UK it corresponds to hardiness rating H4, which equates to average hardiness; for growers referencing US zones, it suits USDA 8–10. Use this Phormium where scale is required: at the back of a large mixed border, as a single specimen in a sizeable gravel or planted bed, or where an evergreen, upright perennial is needed to define space. Allow room for a mature clump when siting, since a planted group will quickly occupy several square metres as it reaches its 3.0 m height.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Phormium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Wet
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Phormium tenax 'Goliath' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Evergreen perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 3.0 m
- Native to
- New Zealand, Norfolk Island
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Phormium tenax 'Goliath'?
Phormium tenax 'Goliath' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Phormium tenax 'Goliath' need?
Phormium tenax 'Goliath' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to wet.
How big does Phormium tenax 'Goliath' grow?
Phormium tenax 'Goliath' reaches a height of 3.0 m.
Is Phormium tenax 'Goliath' hardy in the UK?
Phormium tenax 'Goliath' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- On YellowA new RHS colour survey suggests yellow is back in fashion. But from Dixter’s giant fennel to Sissinghurst’s Cottage Garden, it never went anywhere.
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
More in the Phormium genus
- Phormium cookianumMountain flax
- Phormium cookianum 'Tricolor'Tricolor New Zealand Flax
- Phormium cookianum 'Variegatum'Variegated mountain flax
- Phormium tenaxNew Zealand flax
- Phormium tenax 'Aurora'New Zealand Flax 'Aurora'
- Phormium tenax 'Bronze Baby'Bronze Baby New Zealand Flax
- Phormium tenax 'Dazzler'New Zealand Flax
- Phormium tenax 'Purple Giant'Purple Giant New Zealand Flax