Phormium Platts Black (New Zealand Flax)
Phormium ‘Platt’s Black’ is a very popular dark-leaved variety of New Zealand Flax with vertical, sword-like, chocolate to black spikyy leaves. Glossy on the surface, the foliage has a pewter sheen on the back, providing a delightful architectural effect.
Phormium 'Platt's Black' is a very popular dark-leaved variety of New Zealand Flax with vertical, sword-like, chocolate to black spiky leaves. Glossy on the surface, the foliage has a sheen on the back, providing a delightful architectural effect. Robust, this evergreen perennial is topped in summer with a dramatic flowering stalk bearing panicles of tubular, red flowers which attract nectar-seeking birds. Native to New Zealand, this Phormium is primarily grown for its attractive foliage and makes a stunning focal point in the garden, specifically when combined with and amongst brightly colored plants. Ideal for containers or massed in beds to create a dramatic textural effect!
- Adds architectural height to the garden and grows up to 3-4 ft. high and wide (90-120 cm).
- Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerates a wide range of soils, including poor soils and even a strong shade. Salt and drought tolerant.
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Great for beds and borders, city gardens, coastal gardens, gravel gardens or Mediterranean gardens. Excellent as container plant!
- Virtually disease free. Watch for mealybug
- Propagate by seed sown in spring or by division in spring
- Remove dead or damaged leaves in the spring
Requirements
| Hardiness | 9 – 11 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 2 – 12 |
| Climate Zones | 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Phormium – Flaxes |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter |
| Height | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
| Spread | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
| Spacing | 36″ – 48″ (90cm – 120cm) |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Salt |
| Attracts | Birds |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |