Phormium cookianum subsp. hookeri 'Tricolor' (v)
mountain flax 'Tricolor'
An evergreen perennial making a large clump of sword-shaped leaves striped with yellow and green, edged with red. Flowers yellowish-green, in large panicles appear on mature plants in summer
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red Yellow | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Yellow | Green Red Yellow | ||
| Autumn | Green Red Yellow | |||
| Winter | Green Red Yellow |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Asphodelaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Phormium are evergreen perennials, making a large clump of leathery, strap-shaped leaves, with tall panicles of small, tubular flowers in summer
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. In frost-prone areas, provide a deep, dry mulch in winter
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead in autumn to prevent winter rocking which can damage the plant
Pests
May be susceptible to phormium mealybug
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.