Phormium tenax Variegata
Variegated New Zealand Flax
Phormium are evergreen perennials, making a large clump of leathery, strap-shaped leaves, with tall panicles of small, tubular flowers in summer. A good architectural plant. 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. This is a variegated cultivar with grey-green leaves, glaucous on the reverse, irregularly margined and banded with yellow.
Contributed by @sfw21
-
Full sun
-
Occasional watering
-
A little frost hardy: 32F (0°C)
-
Moist and free draining
Common name
Variegated New Zealand Flax
Latin name
Phormium tenax Variegata
type
Perennial
family
Asphodelaceae
ph
6.0 - 8.0 Acid - Neutral
Plant & bloom calendar
-
Best time to plant
full grown dimensions
Phormium tenax Variegata
Phormium are evergreen perennials, making a large clump of leathery, strap-shaped leaves, with tall panicles of small, tubular flowers in summer. A good architectural plant. 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. This is a variegated cultivar with grey-green leaves, glaucous on the reverse, irregularly margined and banded with yellow.
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.