Phormium 'Rainbow Sunrise'
flax lily 'Maori Sunrise'
An evergreen perennial to 0.8m, forming a clump of low, arching, slender sword-shaped leaves. Each leaf bears numerous, closely packed, mid and light pink stripes, with olive green stripes toward the margins. A good accent or container plant
Synonyms
Phormium tenax 'Rainbow Sunrise'Phormium tenax 'Maori Sunrise'
see morePhormium colensoi 'Maori Sunrise'
Phormium 'Rainbow Sunrise'
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Green | |||
| Autumn | Pink Green | |||
| Winter | Pink Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes 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 or partial shade. Established plants are drought-resistant. See Phormium cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Coastal
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
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.