Phormiums are a clump forming evergreen plant that has arching, strappy leaves and rigid flower stalks that sit well above the flower. Full of nectar, you will often see the native Tui feeding on the flowers.
Planting Calendar
Prepare
Position
Flax is best grown in a sunny position that gets full sun to part shade. Tolerant of coastal conditions, salt spray, heat and frost they can be grown in borders, containers and look great when planted in native garden designs adding structure and from.
Soil
When planted into the ground Phormiums like a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains added water storage crystals and Saturaid, two products that help maintain moisture in the soil.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Sheep Pellets and Kings 24 Plus Fertiliser, then mix together. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant into Kings Containers mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.
Care
Watering
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. Consider setting up an automatic watering system – these can be simple and inexpensive.
Feeding
When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health. If planted into a containers feed with Kings Liquid Fast Food along with monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster this encourages strong roots and a healthy immune system.
Protecting
There are a number of pests that are attracted to Phormium. Scale, Looper and Notching caterpillars and Mealy Bug.Spraying for protection rather than cure is the better than spraying for cure.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants (make sure that the mulch does not come into direct contact with the stem of the plant) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to retain moisture.
Spraying
Spray with Groventive Garden or for a organic option spray with Aquaticus Bugtrol.
Pruning
Prune only to remove old flower stalks and dead leaves.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Top Varieties
Phormium Tenax (harakeke)
The well known NZ native large flax. With massive olive green leaves and yellow flowers, it makes a statement growing to 3m x2m.
Phormium “platts black”
With arching bronze-purple leaves, orange-yellow flowers in spring and growing to1m x0.7m is size it is a great one for containers.
Phormium “jester”
A very popular flax which is a good one for containers. It has leaves edged in green with a red-pink centre. Red flowers emerge in summer. Growing in size to 1.5m x1m.
Phormium “emerald gem”
The best green dwarf flax, only growing to 0.7x 0.7 in size it makes a great border, filler or container specimen.
Phormium “yellow wave”
One of the better yellow varieties,with yellow flowers over summer, yellow wave grows to 1.2 x 1.5.
