Phormium ‘Apricot queen’

Description

🌿 Identity & Habit

Phormium ‘Apricot Queen’ is a clump‑forming evergreen perennial with leathery, upright, sword‑shaped leaves.

• Young foliage emerges yellow with dark green and red margins, gradually developing a rich apricot hue as it ages.
• Leaves are rigid, strap‑like, and held in a tidy, upright fan, giving the plant a bold architectural silhouette.
• In summer, mature plants may produce tall panicles of bronze flowers, adding vertical interest.

📏 Size

• Height: 1–1.5 m
• Spread: 1–1.5 m
• Time to maturity: 2–5 years

This makes it a medium‑sized Phormium suitable for borders, containers, and structural planting.

🌤 Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun to partial shade; colour is strongest in full sun.
• Soil: Chalk, loam, or sand; moist but well‑drained or well‑drained soils. Tolerates acid, neutral, or alkaline pH.
• Exposure: Exposed or sheltered sites; best in mild or coastal climates.
• Hardiness: H4 — hardy through most of the UK (‑10 to ‑5 °C).
• Moisture: Low to moderate; dislikes waterlogging.

🌱 Growth & Ecology

• Native to New Zealand, where Phormium tenax provides habitat for wildlife such as yellow‑eyed penguins.
• Bred selections like ‘Apricot Queen’ retain the toughness of the species while offering enhanced ornamental colour.

🛠 Care & Maintenance

• Pruning: Remove damaged or broken leaves at the base in spring.
• Winter care: In colder regions, apply a deep dry mulch to protect roots.
• Containers: Thrives in large pots with good drainage; ideal for patios and balconies.
• General care: Low‑maintenance once established.

🌾 Landscape Uses

• Architectural focal point
• Coastal gardens
• Gravel or dry gardens
• Wildlife‑friendly planting
• Urban and contemporary designs
• Containers for year‑round structure