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PHORMIUM
Commonly known as New Zealand flax
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.
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Evergreen
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Height90cm (36in)
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Spread90cm (36in)
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Hardy - average winterHardy 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)
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Full sun
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Partial shadeTolerates partial shade but less colourful
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Additional FeaturesGood to knowSyn. P. tenax 'Seivel'. All-year-round colour and flower spikes in summerPests & DiseasesMealybugsPlace of originGarden originResistant to honey fungusThese plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
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Garden Location/ConditionsAustralian / New ZealandBorderSuitable for a shrub borderCoastal / windsweptIdeal for a coastal gardenPatio / pot plantsSuitable for small gardensTown garden
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HardinessFully hardy
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Leaf Colour (if not green)Black
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Leaf marginEntire
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Leaf shapeLinear
(see photos above) -
Seasonal InterestAutumnSpringSummerWinter
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Soil ConditionsFertile moist well-drained soil
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WildlifeRabbit Resistant
Buy Varieties of PHORMIUM
PHORMIUM 'Alison Blackman'
a new release with distinctive olive green centres to the leaves which have golden cream stripes and a thin margin of orange-red
PHORMIUM 'Apricot Queen'
yellow leaves overlaid with apricot, edged dark green bronze
PHORMIUM 'Back in Black'
compact, dwarf habit and very dark foliage
PHORMIUM 'Black Adder'
a fantastic deep burgundy coloured phormium with a semi-upright habit. Grows to 4 ft
PHORMIUM 'Black Rage'
an outstanding black leaved phormium with an upright and arching habit. Clump forming
PHORMIUM 'Bronze Baby'
arching outer leaves, red-bronze in colour
PHORMIUM 'Cream Delight'
variegated green with cream centre and red margin. Spreading and drooping habit
PHORMIUM 'Dark Delight'
dark purple-black leaves and a strong upright habit
PHORMIUM 'Envy'
dark leaves
PHORMIUM 'Evening Glow'
bright red and pink leaves which are erect at first and then spreading
PHORMIUM 'Flamingo'
small with weeping habit but compact. Leaves have orange-pink, green and pale yellow stripes
PHORMIUM 'Gold Sword'
tall growing variety with stiff upright leaves which have creamy-yellow centres fading to gold with an occasional pinkish flush
PHORMIUM 'Jester'
a new variety with pink centres to the leaves which have attractive lime-green margins
PHORMIUM 'Joker'
bright pink-red on the leaf margins which are dark lime-green in the centre. The reverse colours of 'Jester'
PHORMIUM 'Licorice and Lime'
lime-green leaves with dark purple-black centres