Phormium tenax 'Variegatum'

Common name: Variegated New Zealand Flax

Description: Phormium tenax 'Variegatum' is a bold and statuesque evergreen perennial that brings an immediate sense of drama, structure, and exotic character to the garden, combining the impressively large, upright, sword-like habit of the New Zealand Flax species with a striking and highly decorative variegated foliage colouring that adds light and vibrancy to any planting scheme throughout the year. The long, arching, strap-like leaves are a deep, lustrous green, each one edged with a clean, creamy-white to pale yellow margin that catches the light beautifully and provides a luminous quality particularly valued in mixed borders, coastal gardens, and contemporary schemes where contrast and year-round architectural impact are priorities. The strongly upright fans of foliage create an unmistakable silhouette that associates superbly with ornamental grasses, agapanthus, echiums, and other architectural or Mediterranean-style plantings. In summer, mature specimens produce tall, dramatic flower spikes, sometimes reaching three metres or more, bearing clusters of tubular, dull red to bronze flowers that are an important nectar source for bees and, in their native habitat, pollinated by birds. Phormium tenax 'Variegatum' is a large and vigorous grower that will develop over time into an impressive and commanding specimen of real garden presence, equally at home in a generous border, as an isolated specimen in gravel or paving, or in a substantial container on a terrace or courtyard.

Other benefits: outstanding year-round architectural foliage; striking creamy-white variegation for year-round brightness; dramatic summer flower spikes; excellent coastal and exposed site tolerance; low maintenance once established; effective in large containers

Wildlife attraction: bees and nectar-feeding insects when in flower

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 2m x 1.5m; flower spikes may reach 3m or more

Position: full sun to partial shade; tolerates coastal exposure and salt-laden winds with great ease; a sheltered position is beneficial in the coldest inland regions

Soil pH: adaptable; performs well in neutral to slightly acid soils; pH 6.0–7.0; reasonable drainage is important, particularly in winter

Moisture: moderate watering when establishing; tolerates drought reasonably well once established; prefers well-drained soil; avoid prolonged waterlogging in winter which represents the greatest risk to this plant in UK conditions

Winter hardiness: hardy to approximately -10°C to -12°C in well-drained conditions; may sustain some foliage damage in the hardest winters but will regenerate from the base; benefits from a dry mulch over the crown in colder inland regions