Phormium Black Velvet ('Seivel'PBR)
flax lily [Black Velvet]
A clump-forming, evergreen perennial growing to 90cm tall. Its arching, sword-shaped leaves are almost black and it will occasionally produce tall panicles of tubular, red-purple flowers in summer
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Black Purple Red Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Black Purple Red Green | ||
| Autumn | Black Purple Red Green | |||
| Winter | Black Purple Red Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical 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
Trade
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
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead 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
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.