Phormium tenax "Variegatum" 20Liter

Botanical Name: Phormium tenax ‘Variegatum’
Common Names: Variegated New Zealand Flax, Cream-Striped New Zealand Flax, Variegated Flax, New Zealand Flax

Plant Type: Tenax
Species Group: Phormium tenax cultivar

📌 Product Description

Phormium tenax ‘Variegatum’ is a striking evergreen ornamental foliage plant grown for its long, upright to arching sword-like leaves striped in rich green with creamy-yellow margins. Its bold variegation gives it a bright, structured appearance, making it an excellent feature plant for adding year-round contrast, texture, and architectural form to the garden.

This handsome tenax variety forms a strong clump and is ideal for mixed borders, feature pots, courtyard gardens, and contemporary landscape designs. It combines beautifully with grasses, succulents, structural shrubs, and flowering perennials, while its hardy and wind-tolerant nature makes it well suited to a wide range of South African growing conditions.

Low maintenance and highly decorative, Phormium tenax ‘Variegatum’ is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a bold foliage plant with clean variegated colour and a strong upright presence.

📏 Size When Fully Grown

Height: 1.2–2 m
Spread: 1–1.5 m
Growth Habit: Upright to arching, clump-forming evergreen foliage plant
Growth Rate: Moderate

🌱 Best Growing Conditions

Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-draining soil; adaptable to sandy or loamy soils
Water:
• Water regularly during establishment
• Moderately drought tolerant once established
• Performs best with occasional deep watering in prolonged dry periods
• Avoid poorly drained or waterlogged soil

Feeding: Apply compost or a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring to encourage vigorous growth and maintain strong foliage colour.

Maintenance:
• Remove old, dry, or damaged leaves at the base
• Very low maintenance once established
• Divide mature clumps when needed to control size or refresh growth

🌦️ Planting & Growing Season (South Africa)

Best Planting Time: Spring or early autumn
Active Growth: Spring and summer
Climate Suitability: Suitable for most South African regions, especially temperate, coastal, and mild inland areas
Frost Tolerance: Tolerates light frost once established
Wind Tolerance: Very good, including coastal exposure

🌼 Additional Benefits

• Attractive green and cream variegated foliage
• Strong architectural shape
• Excellent wind tolerance
• Low maintenance and hardy
• Superb for feature planting and large containers

🌿 Ideal Uses

✔ Feature container plant
✔ Mixed borders
✔ Coastal gardens
✔ Patio and courtyard planting
✔ Contemporary landscape design