Phormium ‘Sundowner’ New Zealand flax

Description

🌿 Phormium ‘Sundowner’ – New Zealand Flax
Phormium ‘Sundowner’ is a striking evergreen perennial renowned for its bold, upright form and vibrant foliage. Native to New Zealand, this cultivar adds a touch of drama and color to gardens, landscapes, and containers.
🌱 Description
Foliage: Features long, sword-shaped leaves that emerge in hues of rose-pink, transitioning to olive green with cream margins as they mature.
Mature Size: Typically grows 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 meters) tall and 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 meters) wide, though it can reach up to 10 feet (3 meters) under optimal conditions.
Flowers: In summer, produces tall spikes of tubular yellow-green flowers, adding seasonal interest.
Growth Habit: Upright and clump-forming, making it suitable for use as a focal point or accent plant.
🌞 Growing Conditions
Light: Thrives in full sun to part shade.
Soil: Prefers rich, well-drained soils.
Water: Requires regular watering during the first growing season to establish roots; once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant.
Cold Hardiness: Cold-hardy to approximately 15°F (-9°C), making it suitable for USDA Zones 8a–11.
🌊 Landscape & Garden Uses
Accent Plant: Ideal for adding vertical interest and color contrast in garden beds.
Containers: Performs well in large pots and containers, suitable for patios and balconies.
Coastal Gardens: Tolerant of seaside conditions, including salt and wind exposure.
Design Styles: Complements modern, Mediterranean, and tropical garden themes.
🌿 Care Tips
Planting: Best planted in spring or early summer.
Maintenance: Remove dead or damaged leaves in spring to maintain appearance.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth.
Pests: Generally pest-resistant but watch for mealybugs.