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Description
Phormium Tenax Variegatum, commonly known as New Zealand Flax or Harakeke, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Phormium genus of the Asphodelaceae family. Originating from New Zealand, this ornamental plant is widely cultivated for its striking foliage that adds aesthetic value to any garden or landscape. It is a clump-forming plant that can reach up to 3 meters in height and spread up to 1.5 meters in width.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Phormium |
Appearance
Phormium Tenax Variegatum has tall sword-like leaves that are green with cream stripes. The leaves can grow up to 3 meters long and 10-15 cm wide. The plant produces long flower stems that can reach up to 5 meters in height, with flowers clustered at the top. The flowers are tubular and have a red or yellow color. The plant has a clump-forming habit, with new shoots emerging from the base of the plant.
Care Guide
Phormium Tenax Variegatum is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering during the winter months.- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth.- Soil: Plant the Phormium Tenax Variegatum in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Provide the plant with full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can result in leggy growth and reduced foliage color.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Phormium Tenax Variegatum is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Spider mites and mealybugs can occasionally infest the plant, but these can be controlled through regular inspection and treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Phormium Tenax Variegatum is native to New Zealand, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including coastal areas, wetlands, and forests. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of conditions, from drought to high humidity.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Phormium Tenax Variegatum deer-resistant?
A: Yes, this plant is generally deer-resistant.
Q: Can Phormium Tenax Variegatum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers, provided that the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s size and growth habit.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Phormium Tenax Variegatum?
A: Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, following the instructions on the fertilizer package. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to leggy growth and reduced foliage color.
Q: How do I propagate Phormium Tenax Variegatum?
A: This plant can be propagated through division. Dig up the plant and carefully separate the clumps, ensuring that each division has healthy roots and foliage. Replant the divisions in well-draining soil.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Phormium Tenax Variegatum:- Phormium Cookianum- Phormium Jester- Phormium Sundowner- Phormium Yellow Wave
References
– “Phormium Tenax Variegatum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed June 1, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a707.- “Phormium Tenax Variegatum.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed June 1, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/41745/Phormium-tenax-Variegatum/Details. – “Phormium Tenax Variegatum.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed June 1, 2021. https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/sfylifasufledu/sarasota/horticulture-documents/Phormium-Tenax-Variegatum.pdf.
