Hardiness: Phormium tenax can tolerate temperatures as low as -5°C (23°F), making it suitable for temperate climates.
Leaves: The plant features long, tough, sword-shaped leaves that grow up to 3 meters in length. They are typically dark green, but cultivars in shades of pink, bronze, and red are also available.
Flowers: In late spring to early summer (November in New Zealand), Phormium produces tall, rigid flower stalks up to 5 meters long. The flowers are tube-like and turn bright red when mature. These flowers attract nectar-feeding birds and insects, providing important ecological benefits.
Seedpods: After pollination, the seedpods contain hundreds of seeds, which are dispersed by the wind. This propagation method helps the plant spread and establish in new areas.
Soil Requirements:
Phormium prefers well-drained soil but can grow in a variety of conditions, from swamps to low-lying areas. Ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged, as this can hinder germination and growth.
Sowing Instructions:
Sow seeds in Spring (Feb to April) or Autumn (Sept to Oct).
Maintain a temperature of 16–18°C (60–65°F) for optimal germination.
Cover the seeds with a thin layer of peaty compost.
Keep the soil moist, but ensure it does not become waterlogged.
Germination can take anywhere from 30 to 180 days, so patience is required.
Transplanting and Care:
Once seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out and transplant into 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays.
Grow the seedlings in a greenhouse over the winter months.
Gradually acclimatize the plants to outdoor conditions for 10 to 15 days before planting out after the last frost in late spring or early summer.
Phormium will develop a strong upright habit as it matures.
Care Requirements:
Once established, Phormium requires minimal care. It is tolerant of low temperatures but should be covered with a deep mulch in winter if planted in frost-prone areas.
Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soggy, especially when the plant is young.
Fertilizing: Phormium thrives with minimal fertilization but may benefit from occasional organic feed to encourage strong growth.
Division: As the plant matures, it will form a clump with new fans of leaves. These can be divided in spring by digging up the whole plant and cutting it into smaller sections.
Pots: If growing in pots, carefully remove the plant, tease apart the roots, and replant the offsets in separate containers.
Phormium tenax is highly versatile and can be used in various garden settings:
Architectural gardens for striking foliage and height.
Tropical gardens as an accent plant or focal point.
Containers for patios or balconies.
Cultivated beds as part of mixed plantings.
Height: Up to 5 meters tall (for flowering stalks)
Hardiness: Tolerates temperatures as low as -5°C (23°F)
Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained
Germination Time: 30–180 days
Flowering: Bright red flowers that attract birds and insects
Propagation: Seed, division
We ship worldwide from the European Union via registered mail with delivery confirmation.
To find your tracking number, log in to your account and go to Order History > Details.
Global tracking: 17Track
For tracking numbers like RGxxxxxxHR: Posta.hr tracking
🕒 Note: Tracking information becomes available up to 24 hours after your order is shipped.
Cash on delivery is not available.
Regularly check your spam/junk email folder for notifications.
All inquiries must be submitted via our contact form on the website.
Messages sent via regular email may not be received.
Always include your mobile phone number with international dialing code.
Example for Hungary: +36 20 123 4567
Registered shipments require a signature from the recipient.
We do NOT deliver:
to P.O. boxes
to neighbors
if you are not home to receive the package
📬 If a P.O. box address is provided and the package is lost or undeliverable, it will not be refunded.
If your package is returned to us:
You will be charged €2 for return shipping
You are responsible for reshipping costs as well
If tracking shows the package is still with the sender, it means it is in transit.
Contact your local post office with the tracking number for updates.
We are not a postal service and cannot track your package for you.
We are not responsible for shipping delays.
🔍 We can only start an investigation into a lost shipment 30 days after the dispatch date.
| Type of Delivery | Processing Time | Insured | Possible Delays | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 7–10 business days | ❌ | 7–14 days | Basic shipping option |
| Priority | 1–7 business days | ❌ | 3–10 days | Faster processing, not faster shipping |
| Insured | 1–7 business days | ✅ | 3–10 days | Refund if the package is lost (up to €150) |
🕒 Estimated Delivery Time:
Within the EU: 3–20 days
Worldwide: 5–30 days
Example delivery times to the USA: 27, 22, 19, 17, 13 days
Always include your order reference (e.g., SGS-19811702) in the payment description.
If we cannot match your payment to your order, it may cause delays or cancellation.
Orders are automatically canceled if payment is not received within 7 days.
We accept EUR currency only via PayPal.
Please change your currency to Euro during checkout.
Visit: Exotic Seeds Store
We accept: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, CB, Diners Club, Discover, China UnionPay, JCB, etc.
💡 Buyers are responsible for all transaction fees. Please send us your transaction details so we can process your order promptly.
Orders are not processed or shipped on Saturdays or Sundays.
Always check the Important Notices on our website before placing an order (e.g., holiday schedules, special conditions).
📫 For any questions, please use only the contact form on our website.
Emails sent outside of this form will not be received.
