Phormium platts black

Phormium Platts Black – Learn, Grow & Buy

Phormium ‘platts black’ is a clump-forming, deciduous perennial and perhaps one of the most popular dark-leaves phormiums. It makes a dramatic architectural statement with its arching, glossy, evergreen foliage. Its leaves are sword-shaped, lustrous on the surface with a sheen on the back.

The colour ranges from chocolate or dark purple to black and the beauty is accentuated in summer when this plant blooms panicles of tubular, red flowers on erect, leafless stems which is attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators. 

Phormium ‘Platts Black’ looks best when planted in masses and when grown with brightly coloured plants to make a delightful statement.

Phormium Platt’s Black

How to grow phormium platts black

This cultivar of New Zealand flax is just as easy to grow and care for as the others. It is propagated by division in spring and will grow well to develop its beautiful foliage when planted in organically rich and well-draining soil with full sun to partial shade exposure.

When growing your phormium ‘platts black’ in colder regions prone to cold and dry frosty winters, you should plant them in containers that can be moved indoors and add a dry winter mulch to protect its root system from frost damage.

Where should I position phormium platts black in my garden?

Phormium ‘platts black’ should be positioned with a south, east, or west-facing aspect where it can get full sun or dappled sunlight for most of the day.

How tall does phormium platts black grow and spread?

It is a clump-forming and spreading plant that grows with an equal height and spread of 1 to 1.5 metres in 5 to 10 years.

What kind of soil does phormium platts black need?

Phormium ‘Platts black’ will grow well in chalk, sand, or loamy soil that is fertile, moist, and has good drainage abilities.

Other types of Phormium we cover:

Phormium Black Adder, Black Velvet, Bronze Baby, Colensoi, Cookianum, Evening Glow, Golden Ray,  Jester, Maori Queen, Pink Stripe, Platts Black, Rainbow Queen / Maiden, Phormium Sundowner, Phormium Tenax, Phormium Tenax Variegatum, Yellow Wave.

Further reading:

• Are Phormiums Hardy Plants in UK Gardens?
• Grow Guide: How to look after Phormium Plants
• Cutting Back: Can Phormiums be pruned or cut back?

Where can I buy Phormium platts black in the UK?