Common Name:
NZ Flax, Mountain Flax, Swamp Flax, Harakeke.
Flower:
Tall spikes rise above the plant and bear twisted looking flowers, to which birds are attracted for the nectar. Curiously, many of the red varieties don’t flower, however the purples, greens and yellows do.
Size:
75cm x 75cm
Growing Conditions:
Phormium will grow just about anywhere. Although Phormium cookianum has the common name Mountain Flax, it is found at sea level and up to 1300m growing on cliff faces. Phormium tenax prefers damp conditions but is happy in coastal spots as well as forest swamps. They will grow in any reasonable soil, and will handle extreme heat and cold, salt winds, and wet feet. The coloured varieties could be considered slightly less hardy.
Care:
Little care is needed but you can do a few things to get the most out of them. Remove old and dead leaves for appearance, dividing and re-planted will keep them looking fresh. Some of the coloured varieties can get a leaf spot which can be sprayed out.
Uses:
Phormium have many uses in any garden. The most popular use is in modern or native gardens where their form and colour provides interest especially if massed planted with other flaxes or grasses. They look particular when massed planted and surrounded by a stone mulch. They make a great feature when planted in pots and put on the deck, up the stairs or even in the garden where the added height will make them a focal point.
Comments:
Phormium are definitely one of the in plants in garden design at the moment. Hardy, colourful and with so many uses there is a spot in most gardens for one or seven. They even look good in more formal gardens; imagine a Box hedge with a planting of Phormium behind. The contrast in texture and colours is stunning.
Continue to Phormium 'Evening Glow' or back to Grasses and Flaxes.