Phormium Tenax Rainbow Queen / New Zealand Flax
Phormium Tenax Rainbow Queen is a popular cultivar of the New Zealand Flax. It is known for its striking foliage, which features long, arching leaves with a vibrant combination of colors. Here’s a detailed description:
Phormium Tenax 'Rainbow Queen'
- Appearance: This cultivar stands out due to its colorful, strap-like leaves. The leaves are primarily green with red margins and pink to red stripes running longitudinally. This bold coloration makes it a visually striking addition to any garden or landscape.
- Growth Habit: 'Rainbow Queen' is an evergreen perennial that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height and spread. Its clumping growth habit makes it an excellent choice for creating dramatic focal points in garden beds or as part of a mixed border.
- Flowering: While the primary attraction of Phormium tenax 'Rainbow Queen' is its foliage, it can also produce tall flower spikes with tubular red or yellow flowers. These flowers are attractive to pollinators, such as birds and bees.
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Care Requirements:
- Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Soil: Thrives in well-drained soil. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
- Water: Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant. However, it benefits from regular watering during prolonged dry periods.
- Hardiness: Suitable for growing in regions with mild winters. In European terms, it can be grown successfully in coastal areas and other regions where temperatures do not frequently drop below -5°C. In colder areas, protection during harsh winters is necessary.
Usage
- Landscaping: Ideal for use in borders, coastal gardens, and as an architectural plant due to its striking appearance and structural form.
- Containers: Can also be grown in large containers, making it a versatile choice for patios and balconies.
Benefits
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established.
- Pest Resistant: Generally free from serious pest and disease problems.
- Drought Tolerant: Perfect for water-wise gardening.
TOMs FLOWer CLUB
At TOMs FLOWer CLUB, we pride ourselves on providing organically grown plants of the highest quality. Each Phormium tenax 'Rainbow Queen' offered for sale is from our own propagation—division of our organically grown mother plant (as seen in the picture, though the mother plant itself is not for sale). These plants are well-established and nicely rooted, ensuring robust health and vibrant foliage. Please note, this is not an indoor plant but rather an outdoor garden plant that can also be potted for a balcony or house terrace.
For more detailed care instructions, please do not hesitate to contact TOMs FLOWer CLUB. Happy planting!