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Phormium 'Platt's Black'

Also Known As

Phormium tenax 'Platt's Black'
Platt's Black New Zealand Flax
Platt's Black New Zealand Flax

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 3'-4'
W: 3'-4'

planting zones

8a-11

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Phormium 'Platt's Black' plant details

Phormium 'Platt's Black' is a fast-growing broadleaf evergreen perennial with black, burgundy and chocolate foliage. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - low water. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something seaside / salt tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Phormium 'Platt's Black'

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: asphodelaceae
Foliage: evergreen black, burgundy and chocolate
Mature size: 3 FT - 4 FT - wide, 3 FT - 4 FT - tall
Uses: container plant, rock garden, showy, spiky, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Phormium 'Platt's Black'

USDA Zones: 8a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, seaside / salt and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Zn 8. Rich chocolate to black evergreen foliage.

By: Little Prince of Oregon

Has deep black purple narrow foliage. This upright grower will be a striking accent with golden foliage plants.

By: Gossler Farms

Phormium have cornered the market on structure and drama which is likely why they're so popular. 'Platt's Black' is a bold cultivar with rich chocolate foliage. New Zealand Flax usually sail through our coastal BC winters but benefit from a mulch of leaves at their base and having their foliage tied up to help it resist heavy snowfalls. In colder climates, grow in pots and bring indoors to a frost-free environment.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

The Deep DEEP black-purple-red of their grass-like leaves makes these plants an eye-catching!! accent in container or border. Sun/Med/Gddrain

By: Forestfarm

Sword leafed ebony beauty…arching, evergreen foliage is a dark purple black on clumping plants 2-3' tall and 3-4' wide. Sun to light shade, decent drainage; try it as a centerpiece in a large container…or combine it with grasses, succulents and Mediterranean colored perennials! Deer resistant & drought tolerant when established. Hardy to about 15 °F.

By: Secret Garden Growers

The leaves of this New Zealand Flax are a uniform dark purplish black. Makes an ebony fountain of arching lance-shaped leaves. In its own way, it is just as showy as 'Pink Panther'.

By: Briggs Plant Propagators

Fairly new selection, to under 4', with upright narrow leaves of deepest maroon to indeed nearly black -- plantman's black. Introduced by New Zealand's Graham Platt, this compact plant adds contrast like no other. We have used it with silvers, burnt oranges, and chartreuse yellows to great effect. Of typical frost hardiness to the mid to upper teens °F, mid USDA zone 8, with no sign of damage. Below that, "duck and cover." Excellent in container.