Phormium tenax 'Golden Ray' Care Guide

Phormium tenax 'Golden Ray' is a striking, evergreen perennial known for its bold, arching leaves with vibrant golden-yellow stripes. This ornamental New Zealand flax adds year-round structure and color to gardens, making it an excellent choice for borders, containers, and modern landscapes. Its upright, sword-like foliage creates a dramatic focal point while requiring minimal maintenance.

Planting and Location

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun for the best leaf coloration but can tolerate partial shade.

• Soil: Thrives in well-drained soil, including sandy, loamy, or clay-based types. Avoid overly wet or boggy conditions.

• Positioning:

  • Ideal for coastal, contemporary, or tropical-style gardens.

  • Works well in mixed borders, gravel gardens, or as an architectural feature.

  • Suitable for large containers, providing year-round interest on patios or terraces.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or early autumn to establish roots before extreme weather conditions.

Watering and Feeding

• Watering:

  • Water regularly when first planted to help establish strong roots.

  • Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires little watering except during prolonged dry periods.

  • Avoid waterlogging, particularly in winter.

• Mulching:

  • Apply a layer of organic mulch in spring to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

• Fertilizing:

  • Feed with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in spring to promote strong growth.

  • A liquid feed during summer can enhance foliage color and encourage lushness.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Pruning:

  • Remove dead or damaged leaves by cutting them at the base to keep the plant looking tidy.

  • Older leaves can be trimmed in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.

• Pest and Disease Control:

  • Generally resistant to pests, but may occasionally attract aphids or scale insects—treat with insecticidal soap if needed.

  • Good air circulation helps prevent fungal diseases.

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in most UK conditions but may need protection from severe frost.

  • In colder regions, apply mulch around the base and consider using fleece for extra protection.

  • Container-grown plants should be moved to a sheltered position during winter.

Additional Tips

• Companion Planting:

  • Looks great with ornamental grasses, agapanthus, lavender, and drought-tolerant perennials.

  • Complements Mediterranean, coastal, and architectural planting schemes.

• Container Growth:

  • Choose a large, well-draining pot with a mix of loam-based compost.

  • Water moderately in summer but let the soil dry slightly between waterings.

• Wildlife Benefits:

  • Provides shelter for small birds and beneficial insects.

Phormium tenax 'Golden Ray' is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a striking, low-maintenance plant with year-round visual appeal. Its vibrant foliage and strong structure make it a standout feature in any garden or landscape

• Size
  7.5lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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