PERENNIALS > PHORMIUM > CONTAINERS
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Phormiums are a couple of species of grass - similar plants native to New Zealand .
They are sometimes also known as New Zealand Flax , because , though we run to think of them as only ornamental plants , they were used for textiles by Maori masses and by early settler in their native range.1Hindmarsh , G. ( 2016 , June 23).Flax – the put up vulcanized fiber . New Zealand Geographic . Retrieved March 22 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.nzgeo.com/stories/flax-the-enduring-fibre/
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Phormium tenax , Phormium colensoiand cultivar derived from these two mintage are now wide produce as garden plant in the UK and other temperate regions around the world .
“ I would typically choosePhormium colensoifor pots or containers , as the species and its cultivars are typically lowly thanPhormium tenax , ” says Horticultural Consultant Colin Skelly .
“ WhilstP. tenaxcan be used , it will demand dividing to keep it manageable in anything other than the prominent pot or container . ”
The leaves , which arch downwards , are shaped like sword andare often variegated , or tinged with different specter and come in a full range of colours .
These plant are drouth tolerant once established and can be for the most part hassle - complimentary when grow in a suitable maculation .
Can You Grow Phormium In Pots?
The skilful news is that phormium can be grown in container – this is a popular choice and one that crap a lot of sense .
Phormiums like gratis - draining conditions so they can thrive in pots , which run out more freely than many soils .
However , when choosing a phormium to grow in a container , it is important to sympathise that some phormiums are much more vigorous , and grow much bombastic than others .
Some can tower to over 2 m tall and are not as well suitable to container growing .
If growing phormiums in pots , you are good to opt for options which are more compendious .
Fortunately , there are many dwarf phormiums , or more compact pick , which are ideally suited to container growing and arise to around 1 m or less in tallness .
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Container Choices
When choosing a container , remember that even shadow phormiums or more compact options are comparatively large plants .
You are looking for a large container that can oblige your works .
A mature compact phormium ( growing to no more than 1.5 m magniloquent ) will normally necessitate a container at least 50 cm across and at least the same depth .
Larger specimens will , of course , need even larger containers .
It is also important to take the summit of the specimen , and to take a container heavy enough not to topple over in the wind with the system of weights of the plant .
Terracotta pot can be a near choice because they are weighty enough to deal with these plants .
Terracotta is also a dear choice because phormiums like costless - enfeeble condition , and they tend not to hold on to water as much as moldable I or ones made from other materials .
It is also lively to assure that your container has good drainage holes at the bottom and will allow excess urine to drain off .
Compost Requirements
fit in to the RHS , Phormiums will grow best inpeat - free compostwith added John Innes .
They recommend adding 10 % of perlite or fine gritrock by loudness to this potting mixing to improve the drainage .
Of naturally , you might also create your own loam or soil - establish mix to keep your phormium plants happy .
The Francis Scott Key is to ensure that you encounter the plant life ’s nutritional needs while also secure respectable drain to prevent waterlogging .
Potting Up Phormium
Phormium is useable to bribe year - rotund , but the best clip to plant up a novel specimen in a container is in the spring – after the danger of a hard hoar has come about where you survive .
It is a good idea to plant up your phormium in bounce because this impart it a chance to establish over the summer month before the cold and wetter conditions of autumn and wintertime arrives .
These plants are best give a pot on their own .
engraft one phormium in a pot , cause sure that the pot you choose accommodates the root ball of the plant life you purchase , with at least 5 cm of the produce medium around each side so that the plant has way to arise .
Potted Phormium Care
Place containers in a gay or partly shaded position .
Most phormiums typically do considerably in full sun , and some will have more vivacious colouration in full sun conditions , but most can also cope with some tint .
Water regularly over the summer months during dry periods during the first yr after planting .
Phormiums growing in the ground willbe fairly drought tolerantafter this initial year , but those growing in containers can lose drought damage , and you should go on to water regularly in dry weather over the summer months .
However , take care not to overwater by watering only when the top few centimetres of the get medium feel juiceless – and always ensure that excess water can easily enfeeble from the bottom of the passel .
It is a unspoilt theme to bung container - grown phormiums from late spring through to the middle of the summer .
They will apprize compost tea , or seaweed provender to replenish nutrient , though phormiums growing in the ground typically do n’t need additional fertiliser other than a mulch each spring .
Phormiums are not fully hardy in colder parts of the UK .
In many areas , you will need to take steps toprotect your plants in winter from frigidness and frosts .
You should lag the container to protect the tooth root , and make certain containers are placed in a sheltered spot .
In cold regions , you may also involve to roll the leave of absence with fleece or other fabric to protect the foliage if a hard freeze is forecast .
In spring , take away any old , discredited leaves by pulling or cut them off as close to the base as you’re able to .
If clumps have become too large for their container , count separate the ripe plant life and repot each of the sections .
This stave off congestion and pass you new plants to give away orto expand your container garden .
