Phormium tenax ‘Variegatum’

New Zealand Flax

Phormium tenax ‘Variegatum’ is a selected cultivar of New Zealand flax whose robust, spear-like, grey-green leaves, glaucous on the reverse, are irregularly margined and banded with yellow.

They just seem to explode out of the soil. Few plants can offer such dramatic form or presence and they offer a unique contrast to pretty well anything else that can be grown in the temperate garden.

Phormium tenax 'Variegatum' is out of stock

Origin: New Zealand

Genus: Phormium

Species / Cultivar: tenax Variegata

Common Name: New Zealand Flax

Plant Biography

Phormium are a genus of only two species: Phormium tenax which is native to New Zealand and Norfolk Island, and Phormium colensoi which is native only to New Zealand.

Known as New Zealand Flax, these plants have historically been used by the Māori people as a source of fibre for creating textiles, rope and sails.

More recently they have become ornamentally popular around the world, becoming beloved for their spectacular form, leading to the creation of many new cultivars in recent years.

Soil: Well drained

Soil that does not show much signs of moisture, either visibly or when handled.

Growth Rate: Medium

Expect to see moderate growth during growing season.

Water Requirement: Medium

Once it is established, this plant is likely to only require watering during drier periods.

Maintenance: Low

Minimal skill or input needed beyond the basics, a very independent plant.

Situation: Full Sun to Part Shade

Enjoys direct sun most of the day, but tolerant of fewer sunlit hours or light dappling.

Eventual Height: 1.5m

The plant's ultimate height in typical growing conditions.

Eventual Spread: 1.5m

The plant's ultimate spread in typical growing conditions.

Hardiness: Fully Hardy

Will survive unprotected outdoors in most areas of the UK, even in the harshest winters.

Habit: Evergreen

Always in leaf throughout the year. It won't lose all its leaves at any one time.

Lifecycle: Perennial

This plant is persistant and does not die off after flowering. It will return each season indefinitely, if provided with suitable growing conditions.

Plant trivia

The leaves of most Phormiums are poisonous to some animals, however their bitter taste is enough to deter any pet (or human for that matter!) that might try to munch on their leaves.

Care & Size Guidance

The Phormium tenax Variegata will tolerate any soil but happiest in one that is moist, rich and free-draining.

These need space – both physically so that they don’t become cramped but also visually to allow the full impact of their form to be appreciated.

Bought two and they are a lovely addition to our patio garden; in large pots they help create height and interest. I love buying from the Palm centre. They clearly love what they do and when your plants arrive you know they have been lovingly grown and looked after. First class.