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Photo by Stan Shebs

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Phormium cookianum

Also Known As

Phormium colensoi
Phormium forsterianum
Mountain Flax
New Zealand Flax

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 3'-5'
W: 30"

planting zones

8b-10b

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Phormium cookianum plant details

Phormium cookianum is a broadleaf evergreen perennial with green foliage. In summer yellow flowers emerge followed by black fruit. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - low water. Does well in rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Phormium cookianum

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: asphodelaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 30 IN wide, 3 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in summer
Uses: container plant, showy, tropical-looking, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Phormium cookianum

USDA Zones: 8b - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - low
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Has deep green leaves on an upright evergreen plant.

By: Gossler Farms

Green phormium, lushly green with no stripes or color interruptions on the gracefully arching leaves, to 2.5" wide in clumps to 4-5 ft tall. Stalks of yellow-orange flowers stand above the foliage in late spring/ early summer, followed by fruit in the form of attractive, long, black pods. Good in sun or shade -- in sun with regularly summer water in the inland garden, or shade with lower water requirements as in coastal sun. Not often offered, the are lovely and gracious plants. Frost hardy to 10F, USDA zone 8 with mulch for protection against freezing.