PHORMIUM tenax 'Variegatum'

Common name: Variegated New Zealand flax

Family: Asphodelaceae

Origin: New Zealand

Description: An evergreen, clump forming perennial with strong upright leaves which are green striped with cream towards the margins. Occasionally stems of dull red flowers are produced but the main interest is the leaves which are good for winter interest and container growing

Uses: Suitable for larger plantings and containers and also for coastal plantings. Excellent for contemporary or gravel gardens and for use as an architectural plant in a range of situations. This is one of the older forms or Phormium which is good for use in larger planting schemes and as an architectural plant

Climate/Position: Full sun to partial shade. Particularly frost hardy and easy to maintain

Height/Spread: Height 1.8metres. Spread 1.8metres but flower spikes when produced will reach up to 3 metres. Can take 2-5 years to reach maturity

Soil Requirements: Moist but well drained soil preferably humus rich. A feed in spring will ensure rich new growth is produced

Pruning: Remove old leaves to tidy plant up especially in spring if some winter damage has occurred

Additional Interest: Phormiums originate in the coastal areas of New Zealand and was used by the Maori as an excellent fibre plant