Phormium colensoi Wharariki (Agavaceae) Evergreen perennial

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Phormium colensoi
Wharariki
Evergreen perennial
(1 Page of 5)

The Phormium colensoi plant species is found in New Zealand. Naturalized in Britain on the Scilly Isles. It is a member of the Agavaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Wharariki. Some home gardeners know the variety as P. cookianum. Le Jolis. P. hookeri.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Phormium colensoi
Common Name:  Wharariki
Family:  Agavaceae
Author:  Hook.f.

Known Hazards:  The root is highly purgative[173].

Mature Height:  1.2   Mature Width:  0.3

Habitat:  Coastal cliffs to mountain slopes, locally dominant on shady faces in high country, North, South and Stewart Islands[44].

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a rich loamy soil[1] but is not too fussy, succeeding in peaty soils and in boggy moorland[11]. Tolerates light shade[1] but prefers full sun[200]. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn[233]. Very tolerant of maritime exposure, this species is recommended for coastal plantings[166, 187]. Hardy to about -10°c[187]. Polymorphic, there are many named varieties[200]. This species often hybridizes with P. tenax and there are many cultivars of uncertain origin. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[233].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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