Platt's Black New Zealand Flax
Phormium 'Platt's Black'
SKU
01780
Possibly the darkest of all Phormium cultivars, Platt's Black makes a dramatic statement when partnered with brightly colored plants. The arching, narrow, lustrous evergreen foliage has a rich chocolate black color. Use as an accent, specimen, container plant or backdrop to add unique color and texture to the landscape. Evergreen.
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Full sun
Once established, water occasionally; more in extreme heat or containers.
We no longer grow this plant
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| Botanical Pronunciation | FOR-mee-um |
|---|---|
| Lore | New Zealand flax plants were used extensively by the indigenous Maori people of that region. The fibers inside the leaves led to the common name, flax, referring to the European fiber plant that is totally unrelated. Maori harvested the fibers and used the to weave cloth, mats and baskets. |
| Average Size at Maturity | Moderate growing; reaches 3 to 4 ft. tall and wide. |
| Bloom Time | Occasionally blooms in summer; prized for foliage. |
| Design Ideas | This vibrant colored flax is well suited to mid-century modern and post modern compositions for dramatic high contrast color and texture. A natural in tropical landscaping with large leaf exotics and hot colored flowers. Use to soften building edges and as foundation planting. Smaller stature makes this one suited to urban and tight suburban settings. It's a powerful way to highlight important places in the garden. In a more naturalistic setting in sizeable landscapes, plant in groups for massive effect. Works particularly well around pools, ponds and rock waterfalls. Makes a striking potted specimen. |
| Deciduous/ Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flower Color | Pink |
| Foliage Color | Black |
| Garden Style | Contemporary, Mediterranean, Tropical |
| Growth Habit | Compact |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Landscape Use | Border, Container, Firescaping/Firewise, Mass Planting, Poolside, Rock Garden, Specimen, Coastal Exposure |
| Light Needs | Full sun |
| Soil Needs | All-Purpose Plant Food |
| Special Feature | Clump Forming, Dramatic Foliage Color, Easy Care, Waterwise, Year-round Interest |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Watering Needs | Once established, water occasionally; more in extreme heat or containers. |
| Companion Plants | Mirror Plant (Coprosma); Canna (Canna); Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia); Butterfly Bush (Buddleja); Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea); Variegated Brush Cherry (Eugenia) |
Easily grown in average to fertile, well-drained soil. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season. Once established, reduce frequency; tolerates moderate drought, particularly in cooler coastal regions. Remove old or damaged foliage as needed for a neat, tidy appearance. Divide clumps every 2 to 3 years in early spring.
This Plant's Growing Zones: 8-11
Your USDA Cold Hardiness Zone:
Your climate may be too cold for this plant