Phormium 'Platt's Black'
Flax lily, New Zealand flax
- Height × spread
- 0.9m × 0.8m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Generally available in late Spring & early Summer
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A handsome Phormium that makes its presence darkly but beautifully felt. The strappy foliage has a pleasant shine. The leaves are coloured a dark mahogany purple. When seen against the light the colour palette becomes even more interesting with touches of red. Sometimes the central rib of the leaf is white. This has a somewhat erratic habit with both vertical and arching leaves, It can be used as a dark foil to other plants, or can be given a space all its own so it can express its beauty. Protect its roots with a winter mulch.
- Flower colour
- Brown, Red
- Foliage colour
- Black, Brown, Purple
- Variegated
- Yes
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 0.9m
- Spread
- 0.8m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Exotic garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during drought
After three or four weeks without rain, except for drought tolerant plants, those in the ground often get stressed. Adopt the habit of deep-watering one section of the garden each day. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Encourage plants to develop good root systems by giving occasional deep watering. Some plants, such as conifers and heathers, do not show much sign of distress so water these if in doubt.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.
Summer
Summer - early · Outdoors
Feed a general fertiliser
Where plants have moderate needs for nutrients, they can simply be given a general feed, fairly early in the growth season so that the growth has plenty of time to harden off before the cold weather.
Give plants a general boost with the application of a general purpose fertiliser which is spread around the root area of the plant, with amounts as directed on the feed label.
Found in
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