Phormium 'Surfer Bronze'

RHS Plant Profile
flax lily 'Surfer Bronze'
flax lily 'Surfer Bronze' visionspictures.com

Synonyms

Phormium 'Bronze Surfer'
Phormium tenax 'Bronze Surfer'

Shrubs

A clump-forming, evergreen perennial with leathery, upright, arching red, purple and brown foliage with occasional upright stems of red flowers appearing in summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asphodelaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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

Grows best in fertile well drained soil in full sun. May need the protection of a deep, dry winter mulch in northern and frost prone areas. See phormium cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Dead or damaged leaves may be removed in the spring

Pests

May be susceptible to phormium mealybug

Diseases

Maybe susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)