Phormium, a native New Zealander, is a relative newcomer to the Northwest garden scene. It has long been grown in California as a strong growing upright and dramatic ‘ornamental-grass-on-steroids’ accent plant. Phormiums are exotic-looking evergreen perennials.
They offer striking, often highly-coloured sword-like leaves and slender flower spikes that rise above the foliage. While best grown in sunny borders and gravel gardens, they make great focal points in containers. Phormium produces long leaf fibres that have played an important role in the culture, history and economy of New Zealand. Both species have been widely distributed to temperate regions of the world as economic fibre and ornamental plants.
phormium platts black, Phormium, commonly known as New Zealand Flax, is a genus in the Asphodelaceae family. This group includes perennial plants notable for their large, sword-like leaves and tall flower spikes. New Zealand Flax, or Phormium, is a handsome long-lived evergreen shrub that forms bold clumps of elongated sword-shaped leaves. The attractive, often colourful foliage looks good all year, and makes the perfect foil for other plants in borders, raised beds, gravel gardens and pots. Phormium is ubiquitous in the drought tolerant California landscape.
phormium platts black, This plant has very distinctive sword-like leaves which all branch out from its base. There are small 18” deep bronze phormium varieties, and there are large green 10’ phormiums—and everything between.
