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Description
Phormium Tenax Sundowner is a striking, hardy plant that adds color and texture to any garden. It is a cultivar of the Phormium Tenax plant, commonly known as New Zealand flax. This evergreen perennial is native to New Zealand and has long, sword-shaped leaves that grow up to 3 meters tall. The leaves of the Sundowner variety are variegated, with pink and bronze stripes that fade to cream and green. From late spring to early summer, the plant produces tall spikes of small, red flowers that attract bees and hummingbirds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Xanthorrhoeaceae |
| Genus | Phormium |
Appearance
Phormium Tenax Sundowner has long, sword-shaped leaves that can grow up to 3 meters tall. The leaves are variegated, with pink and bronze stripes that fade to cream and green. The plant produces tall spikes of small, red flowers that attract bees and hummingbirds. The leaves of the Sundowner variety are stiff and upright, with a slightly arching habit. The plant has a clumping habit and can grow up to 2 meters wide.
Care Guide
Phormium Tenax Sundowner is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for keeping your plant healthy:- Water: The plant requires moderate watering. Water it deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring to promote growth.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the leaves to lose their color.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Phormium Tenax Sundowner is generally pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-drained and do not overwater the plant.
Habitat
Phormium Tenax Sundowner is native to New Zealand and is commonly found in coastal regions. It grows well in a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils. The plant can tolerate salt spray and is often used in coastal gardens.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Phormium Tenax Sundowner?
A: Water the plant deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Phormium Tenax Sundowner require fertilization?
A: The plant does not require fertilization, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring to promote growth.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Phormium Tenax Sundowner?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Q: Is Phormium Tenax Sundowner susceptible to any pests or diseases?
A: The plant is generally pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet.
Related Plants
– Phormium Tenax- Phormium Cookianum- Phormium Colensoi- Phormium Jester- Phormium Rainbow Queen
References
– “Phormium Tenax Sundowner.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/58758/Phormium-tenax-Sundowner/Details- “Phormium Tenax Sundowner.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277567&isprofile=0&basic=Phormium%20Tenax%20Sundowner- “Phormium Tenax Sundowner.” Gardening Know How. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/new-zealand-flax/phormium-tenax-sundowner.htm
