Details
 
 
 
Phormium tenax 'Purpureum' is a robust evergreen perennial with dull coppery-purple, strap-shaped leaves to 2m in length. Flowers reddish, in large panicles to 3m or taller.
 
 
 
Hardiness
 
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
 
 
 
H5 - Hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
 
 
 
Aspect
 
North-facing, East-facing, South-facing or West-facing
 
Exposure
 
Sheltered or Exposed
 
 
 
Moisture
 
Well-drained, Moist but well-drained soil
 
 
 
Soil
 
Sand, Loam
 
 
 
pH
 
Acid, Alkaline or Neutral
 
 
 
Size
 
Ultimate height
 
2.5 ? 4 metres
 
Ultimate spread
 
1.5 - 2.5 metres
 
Time to Ultimate size
 
About 10 ? 20 Years
 
 
 
How to grow
 
Cultivation
 
Grows best in fertile well-drained soil in full sun. May need protecting in northern climes
 
 
 
Propagation
 
Propagate by seed sown in spring or by division in spring
 
 
 
Suggested planting locations and garden types
 
Low Maintenance Flower borders and beds Architectural City & Courtyard Gardens Coastal Gravel Garden
 
 
 
How to care
 
Pruning
 
Dead or damaged leaves may be removed in the spring
 
 
 
Pests
 
Phormium mealybug may be a problem
 
 
 
Diseases
 
Generally disease free