Phormium Pink Blush - New Zealand flax

Phormium 'Pink Blush' is a hybrid variety of New Zealand Flax with soft colours and an extremely architectural silhouette. Its long, narrow leaves stand vertically, forming a very aesthetic, flared clump. The olive-grey green foliage, tinged with bronze, takes on original pinkish hues. Perfect for adding an exotic touch to the garden, this large evergreen perennial thrives in mild, humid Atlantic climates. In the south, it will need frequent watering, and elsewhere, it should be grown in a container to be overwintered away from severe cold.

Phormium is a genus of flowering plants that has been classified in different botanical families before joining the Asphodelaceae family, known for also hosting other ornamental genera, such as Aloe in mild climates, or the much hardier Kniphofias with equally spectacular flowers. The Phormium genus includes only two species native to New Zealand, of which the most imposing specimens can produce leaves up to 3 m long, and many hybrids and horticultural varieties, often with vividly coloured foliage.
'Pink Blush' is a cultivar that is subtly coloured. This beautiful perennial forms a medium-sized clump, reaching 1.20 m in height and as much in width at maturity. The very narrow leaves are only a few centimetres wide, forming large, flexible straps with a pointed, but not prickly, tip. Overlapping at the base, somewhat like irises, the leaves form a slightly open fan, giving an erect clump with a flared top. This architectural signature is very recognisable and allows it to add character to a varied border. In Phormium 'Pink Blush', the leaf blades have a base colour of olive-grey green, tinged with bronze and a slight pinkish veil, hence its cultivar name. More discreet than some vividly coloured varieties, like 'Jester', or variegated ones, this cultivar is also easier to combine in a border. In summer (July-August), this perennial produces large spikes of equally refined small flowers, in a cream-white colour that matches the foliage well. The flowering attracts many pollinating insects, adding a utilitarian role to the aesthetics in the garden, promoting biodiversity. The flowers later develop into trailing, spiralled fruits.

Phormium 'Pink Blush' will appeal to lovers of distinction, more sensitive to architectural form than to bright colours. It will be more at home on the Atlantic coast than on the Mediterranean coast, where dry air will harm it, while the intense blue sky will visually overwhelm it. It will give the best results in a milder climate, combined with other plants sharing the same water needs. A plant of Hydrangea macrophylla 'Endless Summer The original', a Hydrangea with large blue flower heads, will be a good companion; its broad green leaves will create a soft contrast with the straps of the Phormium. A few clumps of Agapanthus with very sculptural flowering will also accompany your New Zealand Flax very well, as will some Heucheras in the foreground.