Phormium 'Black Adder'PBR
flax lily 'Black Adder'
An evergreen perennial forming a clump of upright to slightly arching, strap-shaped, dark reddish-purple leaves to 1.2m high and wide. Mature plants may produce panicles of red flowers in late simmer
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Purple Red | ||
| Autumn | Purple Red | |||
| Winter | Purple Red |
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
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
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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