Overview

Phormium tenax 'Purpureum' is a clump forming perennial in the genus Phormium, part of the Asphodelaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 3.0 m tall. Phormium tenax 'Purpureum' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, architectural plant and coastal gardens. It is native to New Zealand and Norfolk Island.

About

Phormium tenax 'Purpureum' is an evergreen perennial New Zealand flax grown for its architectural presence and tall habit. It reaches about 3.0 m and produces flowering stems in June to August. Plant in full sun on sandy, loamy or clay soil that is moist but well drained, or in consistently wet ground. It is suited to borders, as a structural specimen and for coastal gardens.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phormium tenax

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 'Purpureum' is a perennial from New Zealand and Norfolk Island valued where bold, upright foliage is wanted. As an architectural plant it will reach roughly 3.0 m and produce seasonally prominent flowering stems between June and August, the blooms ranging from yellow to red. Position it in full sun and allow room for its height; soils may be sandy, loamy or clay and the plant tolerates moist but well-drained conditions as well as wet ground. It is classed H4 (average) for UK hardiness, and corresponds to USDA zones 8–10, so it will survive typical UK winters though the coldest, most exposed sites are less suitable. Use Phormium tenax 'Purpureum' where a vertical, structural element is needed: the plant works well in mixed borders, as a focal architectural specimen or in coastal schemes where persistent foliage is required. Give it space so the flowering stems can rise to their full height between June and August without being crowded by neighbouring plants.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Phormium

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy, Clay

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained, Wet

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

full sun

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Phormium tenax 'Purpureum' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial

Habit

Clump forming

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

3.0 m

Suggested uses

borders, architectural plant, coastal gardens

Native to

New Zealand, Norfolk Island

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Phormium tenax 'Purpureum'

Cultivation

Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerant of wet conditions; plant in full sun for best leaf color.

Pruning

Remove old flower stalks and damaged leaves to maintain appearance.

Propagation

Division of clumps in spring or autumn.

Pest resistance

Phormium mealybug

Disease resistance

Honey fungus

Frequently asked questions