PHORMIUM tenax Atropurpureum

Interesting variety of Phormium tenax, perennial and evergreen, with medium growth, with a bushy and harmonious habit, with an herbaceous consistency, with New Zealand origins: at full development it can exceed 2 m in height and almost the same size in width. Provided with strong and deep fleshy roots, it is formed by several tufts, variously oriented in such a way as to make them assume a thick and regular appearance; each tuft has numerous long leaves characteristically arranged on a single plane, erect and slightly arched at the top, leathery, glabrous and conspicuously faired, ribbon-like with a smooth margin and a reddish-brown color. In summer, but only if the plant has reached maturity, slender reddish stems stand out on the foliage culminating in flexible inflorescences composed of reddish tubular flowers rich in pollen and sought after by various species of birds and insects.

It prefers sunny positions or only partial shade where summer afternoons are hot; it adapts to any type of soil, as long as it is permeable and perfectly drained because stagnant water can be lethal. Overcomes even prolonged periods of drought and tolerates exposure to brackish winds in areas close to the sea. It bears low winter temperatures only a few degrees below zero, therefore where the cold is intense and lasting it is a good idea to ensure it a sheltered position or a shelter in cool and bright environments in winter. At the vegetative restart in spring it is enough to intervene by eliminating dry, damaged or cluttered parts and no other types of intervention are necessary. Very exploited in capacious containers on hanging gardens in general, in the ground alone, or accompanied by cacti and succulents with the same cultivation needs, it can furnish any corner of our garden with elegance and minimum maintenance.