Phormium (genus, New Zealand flax)

Japanese name: ニューサイラン
Scientific name: Phormium

[Overview]
An evergreen perennial that can reach 3 m in height in large specimens.
It has a short rhizome.
The leaves are borne in a fan shape, sword-shaped, pointed at the tip, and stiff.
There are cultivars with bronze or purple leaves and variegated cultivars.
The flower stalk rises above the leaves and bears a panicle at its tip.
The flowers are dull red or yellow; there are 6 tepals, joined at the base to form a tube 3–5 cm long.
The fruit is a capsule.

[Uses]
Fiber obtained from the leaves was used for textiles, ropes and the like.
The flower stalks are also said to have been used as material for rafts.
Nectar can be obtained from the flowers.

[Cultivation]
Propagate by division.
It can overwinter outdoors in warm regions south of Kanto, but some cultivars are susceptible to cold, so bring potted plants indoors to a sunny place, and protect plants in the ground with mulch or similar.
It prefers sunny, well-drained soil.
It tolerates shade, but in poor light the leaves become weak and variegated cultivars color poorly.
It dislikes summer dryness and cold winter wind.
Watch for excess moisture and for drying out in summer, and water thoroughly when the soil dries.
Apply base fertilizer, and for potted plants also place slow-release fertilizer on the soil from spring to autumn.
There are no particular pests or diseases.

[Notes]
Nyu-sairan originally refers to Phormium tenax, but Phormium cookianum and hybrids between Phormium tenax and Phormium cookianum are also sold under this name.

View this page in Japanese (日本語)