Description
Phormium tenax ‘Purpureum’ – Red New Zealand Flax. An excellent and deservedly much used Phormium for the garden. It can be quite variable in its colouration though a good plant really stands out in the garden looking very dramatic. It is similar in stature to the plain Phormium tenax though smaller. It is a robust evergreen perennial with dull coppery-purple to plum strap-shaped leaves to 2m or more in length and in high summer panicles of flowers are produced on 3m stems.
Like all Phormium’s, this can be used as a feature plant on its own and looks excellent surrounded by gravel, or can be grown in large container.
Common Name: Red New Zealand Flax
Latin name: Phormium tenax ‘Purpureum’
Tenderness Rating: Hardy down to about -8C though lower if the foliage tied up for the winter, especially if also protected with horticultural fleece if exceptionally cold weather is forecast – in most winters this will not be necessary.
Ease of growing: Easy.
Position: Prefers full sun position preferred
Soil Condition: dry to moist, humus rich well drained soil and respond well to a high nitrogen feed in the spring.
