Phormium 'Firebird'
flax lily 'Firebird'
A clump-forming, evergreen perennial to 2m tall with upright or slightly drooping sword-like leaves rangeing in colour from bronze-green through purple-green to bronze-orange with bright red stripes and margins. In summer, erect stems bearing panicles of tubular red flowers may appear
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Bronze Green Orange Purple Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Bronze Green Orange Purple Red | ||
| Autumn | Bronze Green Orange Purple Red | |||
| Winter | Bronze Green Orange Purple Red |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Asphodelaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Phormium are evergreen perennials, making a large clump of leathery, strap-shaped leaves, with tall panicles of small, tubular flowers in summer
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. In frost-prone areas, provide a deep, dry mulch in winter
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Coastal
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Remove faded flower stalks in autumn to prevent winter rocking which can damage the plant. Remove dead or damaged leaves in spring
Pests
May be susceptible to phormium mealybug
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
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