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Phormium 'Velvet Underground'

Phormium 'Velvet Underground' is a dramatic New Zealand flax prized for its rich dark burgundy to almost black foliage and bold architectural form. This striking evergreen provides year round colour, texture, and structure, making it a standout feature in contemporary and traditional landscapes. The upright arching leaves create strong visual impact and contrast beautifully with lighter foliage and flowering plants. Phormium 'Velvet Underground' is hardy, low maintenance, and ideal for feature planting, borders, containers, and modern garden designs throughout New Zealand.

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Suited to regions:All regions
Plant type:Flaxes
Height:80 cm
Spread:80 cm
Flowering time:
Tolerances:Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses:Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles:Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Native
Easy to grow?Yes
Maintenance requirementsLow
Growth rateMedium
Also known as
Sku17381

How to grow Phormium 'Velvet Underground' in NZ

Phormium 'Velvet Underground' grows best in full sun to partial shade and performs well in most soil types provided they are reasonably free draining. Full sun encourages the deepest foliage colour and strongest growth. Water regularly during establishment to develop a strong root system and healthy foliage. Adding organic matter to the soil before planting can improve moisture retention and soil structure. Once established, it tolerates wind, coastal exposure, frost, and periods of dryness.

Phormium 'Velvet Underground' care tips

Phormium 'Velvet Underground' is very easy to maintain and requires minimal care. Remove damaged or ageing leaves as needed to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage fresh growth. Apply a balanced garden fertiliser during spring to support healthy foliage colour and vigorous development. Water during prolonged dry periods, particularly while plants establish. Mature plants are highly resilient and generally require only occasional grooming to keep them looking their best throughout the year.

Phormium 'Velvet Underground' size, spacing, and growth rate

Phormium 'Velvet Underground' typically grows to around 1 to 1.5 metres tall and wide, forming a dense clump of dramatic arching foliage. It has a moderate growth rate and develops into an impressive landscape feature over time. For borders, feature plantings, or mass planting projects, space plants approximately 1 to 1.5 metres apart to allow for mature growth and healthy airflow. Proper spacing helps showcase the rich foliage colour and attractive natural form.

Landscaping uses for Phormium 'Velvet Underground'

Phormium 'Velvet Underground' is perfect for adding bold foliage colour and architectural structure to garden spaces. It works exceptionally well in modern landscapes, coastal gardens, mixed borders, commercial developments, and large containers. The dark foliage creates a striking contrast against silver plants, ornamental grasses, and flowering perennials. It can be used as a feature specimen, planted in groups for dramatic impact, or incorporated into low maintenance landscape designs where year round interest is important.

Why buy Phormium 'Velvet Underground' from The Plant Company?

The Plant Company supplies premium quality Phormium 'Velvet Underground' plants that are healthy, vigorous, and ready to thrive in New Zealand gardens. Our experienced team carefully selects and grows plants to ensure excellent performance and reliable establishment. We provide expert growing advice, fast nationwide delivery, and one of the largest selections of premium plants available. As NZ’s most trusted plant nursery, The Plant Company is committed to helping customers create outstanding outdoor spaces with exceptional plants and dependable service.

Questions and Answers

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