Phormium cookianum 'Surfer'
flax lily 'Surfer'
A clump-forming, evergreen perennial with leathery, upright, arching red, purple and bronze foliage, and occasional upright stems of red flowers which appear in summer
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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 | Red Purple Brown | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Red Purple Brown | ||
| Autumn | Red Purple Brown | |||
| Winter | Red Purple Brown |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Asphodelaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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. See phormium cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Coastal
- Gravel garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Dead or damaged leaves may be removed in the spring
Pests
May be susceptible to phormium mealybug
Diseases
Maybe susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
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