Phormium tenax Purpureum-New Zealand Flax in 2 L Pot

Native to New Zealand this exotic plant is easy to grow and gives a superb evergreen, architectural or tropical effect. Phormium tenax Purpureum is an RHS Award of Garden Merit Winner which has gently, arching, sword shaped purple leaves. A very striking addition to any garden and a most attractive Phormium. Tall flower stems with tubular yellowish green flowers are produced on mature plants (3-4 years old) however in the Uk flower production is unreliable. A wind resistant plant which is easy to grow in a sunny location in most moist, fertile but free draining soils. Phormiums will grow well in poor soils but benefit from additional fertiliser. In harsh weather or colder locations a deep mulch of peat, leaf mould, or bark around the base of the plant and between individual shoots will protect these plants from quite severe frost. Phormiums can be used in a mixed planting or as a stand alone specimen in the garden or can easily be grown in a pot or other container. If in a pot it can stay outside over winter but ensure the compost never freezes more than around the edges. Use a good quality John Innes compost as this plant will be there a long time and peaty types of compost eventually degrade, become too packed and choke the roots. Ensure you feed regularly as a hungry plant is a poor performer. We recommend Osmoscote 8-12 month applied in the early spring. One application gives all the nutrients the plant requires for the whole year. John Innes is a soils based compost.