Common Name:
NZ Flax, Mountain Flax, Swamp Flax, Harakeke.
Flower:
Tall spikes rise above the plant and bear twisted looking flowers, which birds are attracted to for the nectar. Curiously, many of the red varieties don’t flower, however the purples, greens and yellows generally do.
Size:
1m x 1m.
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:
- Mass planted in exposed sites, great bank cover etc.
- Great colour for a modern garden. Mix with other flaxes for colour contrast.
- Excellent in containers. Place on deck, patio, stairs or even in the garden to use as a focal planting.
- A useful foliage contrast. The strappy and colourful leaves look good planted with large or bold green leaves such as Coprosma, Griselinia or Viburnums.
Comments:
Phormium are definitely one of the ‘in’ plants of garden design at the moment. Hardy, colourful and with so many uses there is a spot in most gardens for one or three. 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 'Jester' or back to Grasses & Flaxes.