Phormium

    Phormium - please refer to plant caretag for specific variety information

Phormiaceae

Features - This stunning evergreen native flax was selected for its deep purplish almost black-bronze colouring. Grows to 120cm (4') tall with slightly arching, 2.5 to 5cm (1-2") wide leaves that are a dark reddish brown. It blooms reliably in late spring to early summer with red flowers on upright stems.

Height - Approximately 90 to 120cm (36"-48") in height.

Width - Approximate garden width is 90 to 150cm (36"-60").

Soil and water - Prefers a slightly moist media with good drainage. Medium water requirements.

Light requirements - Grow in light shade to full sun.

Best use - Outstanding planted en masse with river rocks and stones, also works well for landscaping.

Growing tips - Low maintenance plant. Tolerates fairly dry conditions (Coastal) but looks best with occasional to regular irrigation. Hardy to 15-20 F. It is possibly root hardy below these temperatures but can suffer severe foliage damage unless protected.

The tropical garden

A tropical garden features tropical plants and requires good rainfall or a decent irrigation or sprinkler system for watering. These gardens typically need fertilizer and heavy mulching.

Tropical gardens are no longer exclusive to tropical areas. Many gardeners in colder climates are adopting the tropical garden design, which is possible through careful choice of plants and flowers. Main features include plants with very large leaves, vegetation that builds in height towards the back of the garden, creating a dense garden. Large plants and small trees hang over the garden, leaving sunlight to hit the ground directly.

The more your local climate differs from the natural habitat of your plants, the more challenging it can be to maintain your tropical garden. Lots of light and lots of water are key elements for success. The large leaves that feature in tropical plants require the soil to be humid at all times, so irrigation is critical depending on the specific varieties in your garden. Although be careful not to over-watering as it will cause the roots to rot.

A tropical plant that is not cold-hardy should be brought indoors during the winter and returned to the garden for the summer.