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    PHORMIUM
    © Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only.
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    PHORMIUM

    Commonly known as New Zealand flax

    These architectural plants can be grown in tubs and make excellent features on the patio. They prefer a hot dry site and are perfectly hardy if sheltered from strong winds. In colder areas they need to be given some mulch or other protection around the base of the plant in winter.

    Genus of two species of evergreen perennials P. cookianum (Mountain flax) and P. tenax (New Zealand flax).

    They are found in scrub and swamps and on hillsides and riverbanks in areas ranging from coasts to mountains in New Zealand.

    The flax label originates from the Cook expedition where the native popuation wore garments similar to linens (made from flax).

    An industry was proposed for the Scillies in the late 1800s, probably for rope, but nothing came of it. Naturalised plants of P. tenax can be found all over the Isles.

    Plant Details
    • Architectural interest
    • Good to know
      P. cookianum subsp. hookeri 'Cream Delight'. All-year-round colour and flower spikes in summer
    • Pests & Diseases
      Mealybugs.
    • Place of origin
      Garden origin.
    • Resistant to honey fungus
      These plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
    • Evergreen
    • Fully hardy
    • Entire
    • Linear
    • Height
      1.5m (5ft)
    • Spread
      75cm (30in)
    • Medium shrub
      Typically grow to around 4-6 feet in height
      Clump-forming perennial.
    • Hardy - average winter
      Hardy through most of the UK apart from inland valleys, at altitude and central/northerly locations. May suffer foliage damage and stem dieback in harsh winters in cold gardens. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -10°C (14°F)
    • Autumn Seasonal Interest
    • Spring Seasonal Interest
    • Summer Seasonal Interest
    • Winter Seasonal Interest
    • Rabbit Resistant
    • Mature Size
      1.5m (5ft)
      Medium Shrub - guide for size not form Watering Can
        75cm (30in)
       
    Planting Tips and Care Advice
    • Garden Location/Conditions
      Australian / New Zealand
      Border
      Suitable for a shrub border
      Coastal / windswept
      Ideal for a coastal garden
    • Soil Conditions
      Fertile moist well-drained soil
    • Sun Requirements
      Full sun
      For best leaf colour.
      Partial shade
      Tolerates partial shade.
    Customers Also Bought
    PHORMIUM 'Jester'

    PHORMIUM 'Jester'

    New Zealand flax
    Available from £17.50
    PHORMIUM 'Evening Glow'

    PHORMIUM 'Evening Glow'

    New Zealand flax
    Available from £17.50
    PHORMIUM 'Flamingo'

    PHORMIUM 'Flamingo'

    New Zealand flax
    Available from £17.50
    PHORMIUM 'Cream Delight'

    PHORMIUM 'Cream Delight'

    New Zealand flax
    Available from £17.50

    Varieties

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  • PHORMIUM 'Apricot Queen'
    Yellow leaves overlaid with apricot, edged dark green bronze
     
    2 to 3 Litre
    £17.50
    Unavailable
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    PHORMIUM 'Back in Black'
    Compact, dwarf habit and very dark foliage
     
    2 to 3 Litre
    £17.50
    Unavailable
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    PHORMIUM 'Black Adder'
    A fantastic deep burgundy coloured phormium with a semi-upright habit. Grows to 4 ft
     
    2 to 3 Litre
    £17.50
    Unavailable
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    PHORMIUM 'Black Rage'
    An outstanding black leaved phormium with an upright and arching habit. Clump forming
     
    2 to 3 Litre
    £17.50
    Unavailable
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    PHORMIUM 'Bronze Baby'
    Arching outer leaves, red-bronze in colour
     
    2 to 3 Litre
    £17.50
    PHORMIUM 'Cream Delight'
    Variegated green with cream centre and red margin. Spreading and drooping habit
     
    2 to 3 Litre
    £17.50
    Unavailable
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    PHORMIUM 'Dark Delight'
    Dark purple-black leaves and a strong upright habit
     
    1.5 to 2 Litre
    £17.50
    Unavailable
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    PHORMIUM 'Envy'
    Dark leaves
     
    2 to 3 Litre
    £17.50
    Unavailable
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    PHORMIUM 'Evening Glow'
    Bright red and pink leaves which are erect at first and then spreading
     
    2 to 3 Litre
    £17.50
    Unavailable
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    PHORMIUM 'Flamingo'
    Small with weeping habit but compact. Leaves have orange-pink, green and pale yellow stripes
     
    2 to 3 Litre
    £17.50
    Unavailable
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    PHORMIUM 'Gold Sword'
    Tall growing variety with stiff upright leaves which have creamy-yellow centres fading to gold with an occasional pinkish flush
     
    2 to 3 Litre
    £17.50
    Unavailable
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    PHORMIUM 'Jester'
    A new variety with pink centres to the leaves which have attractive lime-green margins
     
    2 to 3 Litre
    £17.50
    Unavailable
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    PHORMIUM 'Joker'
    Bright pink-red on the leaf margins which are dark lime-green in the centre. The reverse colours of 'Jester'
     
    2 to 3 Litre
    £17.50
    Unavailable
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    PHORMIUM 'Licorice and Lime'
    Lime-green leaves with dark purple-black centres
     
    2 to 3 Litre
    £17.50
    Unavailable
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  • Useful extras...

    Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
    Creates a mini-meadow for attracting bees, butterflies and bugs to your garden. 200g sachet which will cover 3 square metres. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi.
    3m²- inc c&p
    £7.00
    10m² - inc c&p
    £15.00
    Vermin & Pest Control
    Slug killer blue mini pellets are easy to use and give effective control of slugs and snails. Ideal in garden, conservatory or greenhouse.
    800g - Free c&p
    £6.50
    Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
    AFTER PLANT GROW YOUR OWN seaweed is ready to use liquid concentrate that was specially formulated be used on all edible plants.
    1ltr
    £8.00
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