Phormium Gold Ray, clump forming evergreen with variegated leaves, for all planting situations.
Phormium Tenax ‘Gold Ray’ 5 Litre. With its arching, strappy, sword-shaped leaves, Phormium Gold Ray makes a wonderful statement in the garden, during summer months huge spiked flowers can appear especially in areas with a warmer climate. Originally from New Zealand, Phormium are versatile evergreen plants that tolerate a range of conditions including seaside planting. They look at home in a variety of different planting schemes, and will sit happily in large pots. In recent years they have become increasingly popular in the UK this is mainly due to the fact that they grow quick, are easy to maintain and there is a large choice of varieties and colours. Gold Ray is a wonderful introduction with sword-like, variegated leaves. It makes a lovely attractive centrepiece in a container, or planted as an architectural specimen in the border, surrounded by coloured gravel or soil, it provides a fabulous contrast when surrounded by dark foliaged plants. In summer, especially in the warmer parts of the UK a spike of tubular, red flowers will shoot up from the centre.
Planting Position: Best planted in a sunny spot through to light shade partial shade. And somewhere it can be seen and admired.
Soil: Will sit happily and adapt to most soil types does especially well in damp free draining damp soil. Heavy clay should be avoided.
Suitable for container planting: Yes a great choice for pot or ground. These are quick growing plants that wil get relatively large If pot planted will it need repotting periodically.
Eventual height and spread: Typically 2 metres tall with a 2 metre spread.
Growth Speed: Quick Growth
Habit: Upright and draping
Flowering Period: July and August, however this does depend on summer temperatures, the warmer the climate the more probable flowering will be.
Pruning: Not really a requirement.
Platts Black is a clump forming medium sized evergreen plant any winter damage should be removed in spring before the growing season begins.
Foliage: Striking dark purple almost black.
Evergreen: Yes
Winter Hardy: Yes to approximately -10. It may be advisable if planted in a pot to protect the roots by wrapping the pot on bubble wrap during harsh winters or in the colder parts of the UK
Phormium are a tough plant that require very little maintenance apart from a tidy up after winter. Try adding some well-rotted manure in early spring to the planted area will give the plants a boost after the dormant months and stimulate new growth.
