Habitat

As per the original habitat of the two main groups, tenax and cookianum, in New Zealand, Phormium thrives best in a range of conditions.

A hardy genera, Phormium grows throughout New Zealand which can be best described as having a temperate climate but with a range of environments from subtropical in the North, to the frosty conditions of the South Island (see a map of New Zealand).

As with most young plants, newly propagated Phormium stock needs protection in the winter from frost and snow. The optimum growing temperature falls between a low of 10ºC to 25ºC.

In a landscaping situation, Phormium prefers an acid soil, not too wet, but is a relatively foregiving garden plant. It thrives outdoors and does not normally require irrigation.

Phormium are propagated by division, normally done in winter by breaking up the larger clumps of plants.

A young plant of 20-30cm leaf height is produced exclusively for wholesale purchasers. These are normally planted into planter bags and grown on for sales to retail nurseries and landscapers.