Overview

Phormium tenax 'Variegatum' is a perennial in the genus Phormium, part of the Asphodelaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 3.0 m tall. Phormium tenax 'Variegatum' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include ornamental, borders and containers. It is native to New Zealand.

About

Phormium tenax 'Variegatum' is an evergreen perennial grown for its long, variegated, strap-like leaves that form an architectural clump. It reaches about 3.0 m and sends up taller flowering shoots in June to August. Native to New Zealand and placed in the Asphodelaceae, it prefers an open, sunny position. Use it as an ornamental specimen in borders or a large container where the foliage remains visible year-round.

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 'Variegatum' is an evergreen perennial from New Zealand, valued for its variegated strap leaves that create a clear vertical and linear accent in the garden. The clump can reach around 3.0 m and produces flowering shoots in June to August that rise above the foliage. As a member of the Asphodelaceae it brings an architectural presence rather than fine-textured filling. Plant it in full sun on soils ranging from sandy to loamy or clay, provided they are moist but well drained; it will also tolerate persistently wet ground. Exposure should be sunny and open to encourage strong leaf colour and form. The hardiness rating H4 (average) means it is suited to many parts of the UK garden without special winter protection; it is also suitable for USDA zones 8–10 where winters are mild. Position Phormium tenax 'Variegatum' as a specimen for borders, patio containers or waterside margins where moisture is consistent. A large container will allow its root mass to develop while keeping it accessible for repositioning if needed. Expect the variegated leaves to remain a focal point throughout the year, with summer flowering shoots adding seasonal height and structure.

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 'Variegatum' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Perennial

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

3.0 m

Suggested uses

Ornamental, Borders, Containers

Native to

New Zealand

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Phormium tenax 'Variegatum'

Cultivation

Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; protect from severe frost

Pruning

Remove old or damaged leaves to maintain appearance

Propagation

Division, Seed

Frequently asked questions