Phormium tenax ‘Yellow Wave’ (Variegated Mountain Flax)

A smaller and softer Phormium with arching, evergreen, sword shaped green leaves that have pronounced yellow striping. The clump can reach 2.5 x 2.5 metres over 10 years. Can be shy of flowering.

Position in full sun to dappled shade, happy on any soil and any aspect on moist but well drained soil. 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.