You can have these monthly Plant Care Reminders sent directly to you each month!
Members can create lists of plants to manage your garden, get plant care information sent to you, and connect to other gardeners. It's free and easy, SIGN IN or JOIN NOW and get started right away!
Go to your My Plant Care page to see what you should be doing in your garden this month!
General Information
This plant care was originally written by KatWolfDancer: Truly a spectacular architectural plant for a perennial garden, Phormiums add splash, drama, and elegance to any landscaping with their arching, strappy leaves which fold and change directions midway up the blade. Phormiums have a clumping, compact habit, and can grow taller than the suggested height if they are happy. This group normally stays around the 1'-3' height. With care, they are long-lived. They need moderate watering, good drainage, and full sun to light shade. In the colder zones, they will need winter protection. They are hardy to around 15* F. This cultivar, a sport of "Yellow Wave", has a reputation of reverting back to green, and in order to keep the striking colors vibrant, it is best to cut these rogue blades out of the plant. Older, established plants can flower a deep lovely red, and are quite attractive to hummingbirds. "Jester" flaunts a rich pink leaf with an orange midrib and lime-green bands, and is relatively slow growing and tidy. A real show stopper!
No
On the Web : No Information Provided
Plant Care Instruction
- Instructions By Month
- Instructions By Task
- Find Your Gardening Climate Zone
-
Scroll down or click on any month for plant care instructions
- January
- February
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- December
January1. ProtectIf there is a hard freeze expected, take steps to protect your Phormium.February1. ProtectIf there is a hard freeze expected, take steps to protect your Phormium.2. PropagateDivision of roots.May1. Treat for Pest/DiseasePick off any slugs & snails, or surround the plant with diatomaceous earth.2. TransplantAfter danger of frost.June1. BuyUsually available in the early summer.2. PlantWhile normally I wouldn't plant a plant during these hotter parts of the season, Phormium likes it hot, and planting now will allow it to establish itself well enough to survive any Winter event with protection.3. FertilizeA nice well-balanced organic fertilizer will do Phormiums well by feeding both the roots & the foliage.4. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for mealy bugs & snails, otherwise, a very pest-free plant.5. Treat for Pest/DiseasePick off any slugs & snails, or surround the plant with diatomaceous earth.July1. BuyUsually available in the early summer.2. PlantWhile normally I wouldn't plant a plant during these hotter parts of the season, Phormium likes it hot, and planting now will allow it to establish itself well enough to survive any Winter event with protection.3. WaterCheck for water needs, water when necessary.4. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for mealy bugs & snails, otherwise, a very pest-free plant.5. Treat for Pest/DiseasePick off any slugs & snails, or surround the plant with diatomaceous earth. If Mealy bugs are present, spray with Neem oil.August1. FertilizeA nice well-balanced organic fertilizer will do Phormiums well by feeding both the roots & the foliage.2. WaterCheck for water needs, water when necessary.3. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for mealy bugs & snails, otherwise, a very pest-free plant.4. Treat for Pest/DiseasePick off any slugs & snails, or surround the plant with diatomaceous earth. If Mealy bugs are present, spray with Neem oil.September1. WaterCheck for water needs, water when necessary.2. Treat for Pest/DiseasePick off any slugs & snails, or surround the plant with diatomaceous earth.October1. MulchMulch well with an insulating mulch just after the first frost.December1. ProtectIf there is a hard freeze expected, take steps to protect your Phormium.2. Special requirementsCold protection is just about the only special consideration this plant requires. -
Buy
When's the best time to buy this plant? When can you buy these from seed (if you can)? When is it usually available? What are things to look for when you're buying it? Or anything other tidbit of information you can share!
June
Usually available in the early summer.
July
Usually available in the early summer.
Plant
When's a good time to plant this plant or bulb? Any special planting instructions?
June
While normally I wouldn't plant a plant during these hotter parts of the season, Phormium likes it hot, and planting now will allow it to establish itself well enough to survive any Winter event with protection.
July
While normally I wouldn't plant a plant during these hotter parts of the season, Phormium likes it hot, and planting now will allow it to establish itself well enough to survive any Winter event with protection.
Fertilize
When should you fertilize this plant? Which kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Should you use different fertilizers at different times of year?
June
A nice well-balanced organic fertilizer will do Phormiums well by feeding both the roots & the foliage.
August
A nice well-balanced organic fertilizer will do Phormiums well by feeding both the roots & the foliage.
Water
Is there a time to reduce or increase watering? Any special requirements? Things to avoid during certain times of the year?
July
Check for water needs, water when necessary.
August
Check for water needs, water when necessary.
September
Check for water needs, water when necessary.
Prune
When's a good time to prune this plant? How about deadheading, pinching back, trimming or any other grooming? Any special requirements?
July
Prune out
Mulch
Does this plant need to be mulched? Are there specific types of Mulch which are better for this plant? How much?
October
Mulch well with an insulating mulch just after the first frost.
Protect
When and how should you protect this plant from birds, deer, rabbits? Does this plant need be covered, or wrapped or painted or moved?
January
If there is a hard freeze expected, take steps to protect your Phormium.
February
If there is a hard freeze expected, take steps to protect your Phormium.
December
If there is a hard freeze expected, take steps to protect your Phormium.
Pest/Disease Inspection
What are the common problems this plant will face and when should you look for them to appear?
June
Check for mealy bugs & snails, otherwise, a very pest-free plant.
July
Check for mealy bugs & snails, otherwise, a very pest-free plant.
August
Check for mealy bugs & snails, otherwise, a very pest-free plant.
Treat for Pest/Disease
How do you treat the common problems for this plant? What products or concoctions or natural means do you use? Any special requirements?
May
Pick off any slugs & snails, or surround the plant with diatomaceous earth.
June
Pick off any slugs & snails, or surround the plant with diatomaceous earth.
July
Pick off any slugs & snails, or surround the plant with diatomaceous earth. If Mealy bugs are present, spray with Neem oil.
August
Pick off any slugs & snails, or surround the plant with diatomaceous earth. If Mealy bugs are present, spray with Neem oil.
September
Pick off any slugs & snails, or surround the plant with diatomaceous earth.
Transplant
When's the best time to dig up and transplant this from one spot to another? (This is different than planting). Any special requirements?
May
After danger of frost.
Propagate
When's a good time to divide, take cuttings, layer or propagate this plant. Any special requirements?
February
Division of roots.
Special requirements
Any other requirement for this plant? Is there anything that doesn't fit into the other care categories?
December
Cold protection is just about the only special consideration this plant requires.
Make your own gardening to-do list today!