Phormium 'Black Velvet'
New Zealand Flax 'Black Velvet'
Phormium are natives of New Zealand and have sword-shaped leaves, often variegated, and are evergreen perennials used as architectural shrubs in borders and containers. The green-leaved varieties can survive mild frosts with adequate shelter and protection. If grown in containers, the plants can be left out in the summer months. These plants are usually selected for their form and their leaf colour. The flowers are usually insignificant. Garden hybrids can reach a height of 3m. 'Black Velvet' is a recently bred variety which is possibly the darkest purple/black foliage of all the dark Phormiums. Medium growing with an arching habit.The silvery underside give a fantastic contrast
Contributed by @neilalcock
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Full sun
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Occasional watering
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A little frost hardy: 32F (0°C)
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Moist and free draining
Common name
New Zealand Flax 'Black Velvet'
Latin name
Phormium 'Black Velvet'
type
Perennial
family
Asphodelaceae
ph
6.0 - 8.0 Acid - Neutral
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Light
Full sun
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Frost
A little frost hardy: 32F (0°C)
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Soil
Moist and free draining
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Water
Occasional watering
Plant & bloom calendar
-
Best time to plant
full grown dimensions
1.00 M
1.00 M
Phormium 'Black Velvet'
Phormium are natives of New Zealand and have sword-shaped leaves, often variegated, and are evergreen perennials used as architectural shrubs in borders and containers. The green-leaved varieties can survive mild frosts with adequate shelter and protection. If grown in containers, the plants can be left out in the summer months. These plants are usually selected for their form and their leaf colour. The flowers are usually insignificant. Garden hybrids can reach a height of 3m. 'Black Velvet' is a recently bred variety which is possibly the darkest purple/black foliage of all the dark Phormiums. Medium growing with an arching habit.The silvery underside give a fantastic contrast
Planting
From Early Spring TO Early Spring
Plant in any soil as long as it can be kept moist during the warm summer months. It is best not to feed these plants as it will generate soft growth that can be killed in the winter months. If growing outdoors, offer winter protection in cold regions using horticultural fleece or bracken. If planting in containers, select pots which offer good drainage and provide a saucer that can be kept topped up with water during hot, dry spells.
Propagation
From Early Spring TO Early Spring
Divide in spring, making sure that each piece of root has 4-5 strong leaves. Using a fork dig up plant, try to keep the root ball as complete as possible. Split the root ball at the centre with a sharp knife or a spade. Replant the plants to the same depth as the original and keep well watered until established. Alternatively, sow seeds in spring under glass and grow on in individual pots under cover. Plant out the following spring.
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