Category:
Home-grown
Structural plant with long burgundy-toned leaves, ideal for adding contrast and architectural structure to contemporary gardens, very hardy and low maintenance.
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Our experts say
The Purple phormium or Purple New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax ‘Purpureum’) is a perennial plant with an architectural presence, highly valued for its long, strap-like leaves and its burgundy–purple colouring, which brings contrast and depth to contemporary and Mediterranean gardens. It forms dense, upright clumps (sometimes with an elegant arching habit depending on the variety and the wind), creating structure all year round even when it is not in flower.
It is a very rewarding plant for outdoor settings: it copes well with heat, wind and, once established, periods of moderate drought. It is used both in the ground and in large pots to create focal points, striking borders or combinations with grasses and shrubs with grey or light green foliage. In suitable conditions it can produce tall flower spikes with discreet but interesting tubular flowers, which are very attractive to pollinating wildlife.
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Benefits
Adds structure and an “architectural” effect all year round.
Purple/burgundy colour that creates immediate contrast in compositions.
Very resistant to wind and heat once established.
Low maintenance: it doesn’t need to be in flower to look good.
Excellent in a large pot for terraces and entrances.
Combines easily with grasses, lavenders, rosemaries, pittosporum and succulents.
Vertical interest ideal for breaking up green masses and adding rhythm to the garden.
Special care
Space and containment: it needs room to spread; in a pot, choose a large, stable one so it does not topple in the wind.
Essential drainage: it suffers in waterlogged conditions; a well-aerated growing medium and spaced-out watering are best.
Leaf clean-up: remove dry or damaged leaves from the base to keep the clump tidy and prevent pest hotspots.
Clean cuts: if you trim the tips for aesthetic reasons, the cut will show; it is better to remove whole leaves from the base.
Protection in severe cold: it tolerates cool conditions, but hard frosts can damage the leaves; in cold climates, place it in a sheltered spot.
Sun for colour: with good light it keeps a deeper purple; in low light it tends to turn greener.
Clump division: every few years it can be divided to rejuvenate it and control its size.
