Phormium tenax 'Yellow Queen' (Yellow Queen New Zealand Flax) — Perennial

Overview

Phormium tenax 'Yellow Queen' 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 'Yellow Queen' 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 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

Native to New Zealand, Phormium tenax 'Yellow Queen' is a member of the Asphodelaceae and has been cultivated for its bold, upright clumps of evergreen, straplike foliage. In the UK it performs best in full sun where the foliage can develop its sculptural habit; expect the plant to reach around 3.0 m overall height. Plant into soils that range from sandy through loam to clay, provided they are consistently moist or wet but not permanently waterlogged. The cultivar tolerates heavier soils better than many architectural perennials, yet good surface drainage helps avoid crown rot. It is rated H4 for UK hardiness (average), and corresponds to USDA zones 8–10, so give plants protection in colder inland sites or cultivate in a sheltered, sunny position. Use Phormium tenax 'Yellow Queen' as a focal point at the back of a border, in a large container on a patio, or as a structural element in contemporary planting schemes. Expect flowering stalks from June to August; remove spent flower stems at their base once they have finished to keep the clump tidy and allow the foliage to remain the main feature.

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 'Yellow Queen' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: 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 'Yellow Queen'

Cultivation: Prefers moist, 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

How do I grow Phormium tenax 'Yellow Queen'?

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

Where is the best place to plant Phormium tenax 'Yellow Queen'?

Phormium tenax 'Yellow Queen' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.

What soil does Phormium tenax 'Yellow Queen' need?

Phormium tenax 'Yellow Queen' 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 do I prune Phormium tenax 'Yellow Queen'?

Remove old or damaged leaves to maintain appearance.

How big does Phormium tenax 'Yellow Queen' grow?

Phormium tenax 'Yellow Queen' reaches a height of 3.0 m.

Is Phormium tenax 'Yellow Queen' hardy in the UK?

Phormium tenax 'Yellow Queen' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.