3-24-09: Phormium tenax 'Bronze'

Phormium tenax 'Bronze' Bold, dramatic and structural is a way to describe this plant or maybe useful, sturdy and tough would be a good description as well.

‘Bronze’ Phormium is well adapted to our maritime climate as it comes from the maritime climate of New Zealand. This perennial has strap leaves of a coppery purple color and grows 6 feet tall by 4 feet wide. The sword-like leaves are 3 – 4 inches wide. Phormuim like full sun, well drained soil and ample water. Enough water will encourage the plants to be vigorous and if the winter is harsh they will be able to recover if frozen to the ground. Phormiums are semi-evergreen yet can be cut back to about 6 inches from the ground if you want to renovate them. Fast growing phormuim are bold in containers and as a garden focal point as well as being deer resistant. Phormium comes from the Greek meaning basket and that is what the Maoris of New Zealand used the leaves for as well as for paper, rope and clothing. They are very useful as plant ties. When torn into thin strips they will hold up grapes, roses, berry vines and any other plant that needs a sturdy tie. Phormiums do not like extreme cold or extreme drought and are often grown in riparian areas. With sun and water they prove to be very tough and useful plants in adverse situations. Grow them with gold leaved plants such as spirea ‘Goldflame’ or ‘Goldmound’ or variegated weigela.

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Phormium tenax 'Bronze' in #1's & #3's: Call for Prices & to Check Availability