Phormium Tenax (New Zealand Flax)
Writing this in the middle of winter I am really appreciating the view of my Phormium Tenax which are maintaining interest in beds where many of the other plants have died back or are looking pretty bare without their leaves. I have a green Phormium Tenax next to my patio as I ultimately want a lush almost tropical feel here, with Phormium, Cannas, a hardy palm and bamboo. I also have a purple variety of Phormium Tenax in three of my pots which tend to give a bit of background structure in the summer but in the winter keep my patio looking good as most other pots are withdrawn.
Phormium tenax rubrum
Phormiums like full sun or partial shade. They will grow in most soils. Whilst not fully hardy they have so far survived the severe winters we have here in the SW France with no apparent problems. They grow quite quickly and can be divided in the spring or summer to increase stocks. They grow well in the garden and in pots.
With their upright spiky habit and purple, red, green or variagated varieties these are a must to give structure and winter interest to your garden. They will achieve more than 2metres in height. Mine have not flowered yet but when they do the flowers are magnificent, standing up above the plant on a tall spike, with clumps of red flowers.