Overview

Phormium tenax 'Radiance' 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 'Radiance' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, containers and architectural plant. It is native to New Zealand.

About

Phormium tenax 'Radiance' is an evergreen perennial New Zealand flax grown for its architectural presence and substantial height, reaching about 3.0 m. It favours a full-sun position and tolerates sandy, loamy or clay soils that are moist but well drained to wet. Rated H4 (average) for the UK and hardy in USDA zones 8–10, it is used as a bold element in borders, large containers or as an architectural plant. Flowering occurs June to August.

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 'Radiance' originates from New Zealand and is cultivated for its architectural form and year-round foliage. In UK gardens it performs best in a full-sun situation and will tolerate a range of soils — sandy, loamy or clay — provided they remain moist; it also copes with wetter spots. Exposure should be full sun to match the plant's preference. Hardiness is H4, which means it is suitable for most average UK gardens; in regions that are colder or exposed you should site it where it gains warmth from the sun and some shelter from harsh winds. It is also classed for USDA zones 8–10, useful information for gardeners outside the UK. Allow space for its height — the plant reaches about 3.0 m — and consider a large container if ground space is limited. Suggested uses include bold borders, specimen containers and architectural placements where its vertical scale can be appreciated. Expect the plant to flower from June to August; allocate position and space accordingly so the flowering stems can be seen above surrounding planting and contribute to the intended composition.

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 'Radiance' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Evergreen perennial

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

3.0 m

Suggested uses

Borders, Containers, Architectural plant

Native to

New Zealand

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Phormium tenax 'Radiance'

Cultivation

Prefers moist but well-drained soil; tolerates wet conditions; plant in full sun for best leaf color

Pruning

Remove old or damaged leaves to maintain appearance

Propagation

Division of clumps in spring or autumn

Frequently asked questions