Phormium Tenax Purpurea

Phormium Tenax Purpurea or Purple Phormium is a beautifully coloured Phormium grass bearing narrow, bronze-purple leaves and deep red flowers in summer. Phormium Grasses originate from New Zealand and are clump-forming upright shrubs. They prefer to be planted in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. The flower spikes are produced during July to August and are a deep burgundy red colour.
Phormium Tenax Purpurea are fabulous architectural shrubs that are very easy to grow and will tolerate coastal conditions. They have, not surprisingly become very popular in coastal areas where the choice for planting can be quite limited. These beauties will perform really well and have been awarded the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society, a sure sign that it will grow well in most gardens.
Phormium Tenax Purpurea is a robust evergreen perennial of the Hemerocallidaceae Family. Also known as Phorium tenax Purpureum in the UK, it is best known for its large clumps of very leathery leaves, taking the form of a strap like shape and measuring up to 2 metres in length.  Their panicles emerge to some 3 metres and express tube shaped, smallish flowers of deep red during the summer.
Hardy to Zone H5 in the UK and Ireland, Phormium Tenax Purpurea prefers full sun to partial shade exposures, with corresponding aspects in priority, from North to East to South to West facing. They will persist in sheltered or exposed positions, but protection in cold climate areas is a good idea. In terms of soils preference, aim for a loamy sand that is well-drained, but also can hold its moisture. Not terribly choosy regarding pH, grow your Purple Phormium in slightly acidic, neutral, or slightly alkaline pH levels and she’ll be quite happy.
Also known as New Zealand flax Purpureum Group from its origins, this evergreen will achieve ultimate height between 2.5 and 4.0 metres, with a spread of 1.5-2.5 metres in the course of its 10-20 years to reach full maturity.
Relatively maintenance free, you can conveniently remove any dead or damaged leaves in the spring to help your Phormium Tenax Purpurea thrive, but little more is needed as they are typically disease free.  This is an outstanding choice as a low maintenance border along your flower beds, or as an architectural offering in your city and courtyard gardens. They are especially suited to coastal gravel gardens.
We have a good selection of Phormiums or New Zealand Flax at our London plant centre, all of which are available to buy online with delivery UK wide and to Ireland. Find our Full collecton of Phormiums under Ornamental Grasses.