Overview
Phormium tenax 'Williamsii Variegatum' is a clump forming shrubs in the genus Phormium, part of the Asphodelaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Phormium tenax 'Williamsii Variegatum' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include architectural, city and courtyard gardens, gravel garden, coastal, low maintenance and flower borders and beds.
About
Phormium tenax is an evergreen perennial plant native to New Zealand and Norfolk Island that is an important fibre plant and a popular ornamental plant. The plant grows as a clump of long, straplike leaves, up to two metres long, from which arises a much taller flowering shoot, with dramatic yellow or red flowers.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Phormium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Phormium tenax 'Williamsii Variegatum' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Coastal, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Phormium tenax 'Williamsii Variegatum'
- Propagation
- Seed sown in spring, Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Phormium mealybug
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus (rarely)
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Phormium tenax 'Williamsii Variegatum'?
Phormium tenax 'Williamsii Variegatum' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Phormium tenax 'Williamsii Variegatum' need?
Phormium tenax 'Williamsii Variegatum' grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Phormium tenax 'Williamsii Variegatum' hardy in the UK?
Phormium tenax 'Williamsii Variegatum' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Phormium tenax 'Williamsii Variegatum'?
Seed sown in spring, Division in spring.
More in the Phormium genus
- Phormium colensoimountain flax
- Phormium colensoi 'Emerald Green'
- Phormium tenax 'Nanum Purpureum'
- Phormium 'Dark Delight'