Phormium tenax ‘Platt’s Black’ (New Zealand Flax)

An evergreen plant with deep purple sword shaped leaves that over time can develop into a 120 x 120cm clump. In a hot summer it can grow a dramatic spike of red flowers.

Best in full sun, happy on any soil and any aspect on moist but well drained soil. Hardy but may benefit from some protection in a cold winter. Will grow well in a pot as long as the pot is big.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.