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Herbaceous Perennial

Phormium tenax 'Variegatum' (v)
  • RHS AGM

variegated New Zealand flax

A clump-forming evergreen perennial with erect, strap-shaped leaves to 1.8m in length, green striped with cream towards the margins. Flowers dull red, in large panicles

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Cream Green
Summer Red Cream Green
Autumn Cream Green
Winter Cream Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Asphodelaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
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
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead in autumn to prevent winter rocking which can damage the plant

Pests

May be susceptible to phormium mealybug

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)

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