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Herbaceous Perennial

Phormium 'Platt's Black'

flax lily 'Platt's Black'

'Platt's Black' is an evergreen, clump-forming perennial to 1.2m tall, with slender, arching, deep purple leaves. Panicles of red flowers on erect leafless stems may be produced in summer

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Black
Summer Red Black
Autumn Black
Winter Black
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Asphodelaceae
Native to the UK
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

Grows best in fertile well-drained soil in full sun. May need the protection of a deep, dry winter mulch in northern and frost-prone areas

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Dead or damaged leaves may be removed in the spring

Pests

May be susceptible to phormium mealybug

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)

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