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Plant Care
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Kat Malstead
Plant Care Guide

Purple new zealand flax (Phormium tenax var. atropurpurea)

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  • General Information
  • Buy
  • Plant
  • Sow Seeds
  • Fertilize
  • Water
  • Prune
  • Mulch
  • Protect
  • Pest/Disease Inspection
  • Treat for Pest/Disease
  • Transplant
  • Propagate
  • Harvest
  • Special requirements

General Information

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. This group of atropurpurea Phormiums has a clumping habit, and can grow taller than the suggested height- up to 8' tall with 3"-4" wide blades!- if they are happy. 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, but these are a bit hardier than the hybrids. They are hardy to around 10* F. Some cultivars will revert back to green, 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. Nice dark purple color is a wonderful anchor piece for a perennial garden.

Sunset Zones

USDA Zones

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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!

Plant

When's a good time to plant this plant or bulb? Any special planting instructions?

Sow Seeds

When can you plant these seeds? When's the best time? Can you start them indoors and move them out? Do they have any special requirements?

Fertilize

When should you fertilize this plant? Which kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Should you use different fertilizers at different times of year?

Water

Is there a time to reduce or increase watering? Any special requirements? Things to avoid during certain times of the year?

Prune

When's a good time to prune this plant? How about deadheading, pinching back, trimming or any other grooming? Any special requirements?

Mulch

Does this plant need to be mulched? Are there specific types of Mulch which are better for this plant? How much?

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.

Pest/Disease Inspection

What are the common problems this plant will face and when should you look for them to appear?

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?

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?

Propagate

When's a good time to divide, take cuttings, layer or propagate this plant. Any special requirements?

Harvest

When's a good time to harvest this plant? What's the best way to harvest? Are there special requirements or features?

Special requirements

Any other requirement for this plant? Is there anything that doesn't fit into the other care categories?