How to Grow Phormium

Phormium are evergreen perennials that display often colourful spikes of thick, strap-shaped leaves adorned with erect panicles of small, tubular flowers that flourish throughout the summer. Phormium are best suited to flower beds and borders within a low maintenance, courtyard or coastal garden. You should expect to see Phormium grow to an approximate height of 4m (13’) and a spread of 2.5m (8’).

Phormium are best planted in well-drained soil of loam and sand within an acidic, alkaline and neutral PH balance. They are generally greedy plants and will grow at a significant rate if they are well fed. They are happy to be positioned in an exposed area and are an ideal introduction to a coastal garden. They are tolerant to both full sun and part shade.

It may be necessary to cut off any dead or dying leaves when needed to retain a healthy shape. Fertilisation and mulch is not usually needed but a top dressing of compost will help to add vital nutrients to the soil. Water Phormium during periods of dry weather.

It is possible to propagate Phormium by seed or by division in spring.